The MacOS: BitCoinMiner-AS is a malware cryptocurrency miner which can infect target hosts using a variety of different methods. Infections with it can lead to the deployment of other threats and consequences upon the victims include a degradation of system performance and the inability to use the computers in a normal way. Learn how to restore your Mac OS X computers from active infections by following our in-depth article.
Threat Summary
| Name | MacOS: BitCoinMiner-AS |
| Type | Cryptocurrency miner for Mac OS X |
| Short Description | A malicious script that takes advantage of the available system resources which in turn generates income for the hacker operators. |
| Symptoms | Victims will notice severe system performance issues. |
| Distribution Method | Bundled downloads, malicious scripts and other methods. |
| Detection Tool |
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User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss MacOS: BitCoinMiner-AS. |
MacOS: BitCoinMiner-AS – How Did I Get It
MacOS: BitCoinMiner-AS is a specific cryptocurrency miner that is made compatible with Mac OS X computers. It can come under the form of a JavaScript code found on hacker-controlled or hijacked pages. These websites may be popular sites or communities that the users visit or fake copies of them. Any counterfeit copies of sites can utilize design elements and similar-sounding domains to the legitimate versions. The only warning sites of infections are overall performance issues as most of the malicious code is executed directly without prompts or pop-ups.
Other methods that can be used to spread the infection includes the installation of infected software installers. They are made by taking the legitimate installers from the official vendor download sites and modifying them with the virus code. Targets are applications that are popular with end users: creativity suites, system utilities, and productivity software.
Using malicious documents the users can also infect themselves with the MacOS: BitCoinMiner-AS malware. This is done by opening files that contain virus scripts (macros). They can be of any type (presentations, spreadsheets and etc.) and once they are opened the users will be prompted to enable the content. When this is done the macros will download the malicious engine and the infection will follow.
Malicious scrips that can lead to the MacOS: BitCoinMiner-AS infections include all kinds of pop-ups, banners, redirects and in-line links.
MacOS: BitCoinMiner-AS – More Information
When started the cryptocurrency miner module will be started. Most of the threats of this type follow a predesigned execution pattern which is made up of the following steps:
- Payload Delivery — The infection begins by downloading the malicious engine from a hardcoded download site. The relevant code is then run by the browser or the computer.
- Miner Operations — The miner module is run with the predefined parameters downloaded from the hacker-controlled servers. It starts to utilize the available system resources in order to perform complex calculations.
- Report — When the operations are complete information is sent to the hacker servers and money in the form of digital currency is transferred to the hackers wallets.
Other dangerous activities imposed by the virus’s presence includes the deployment of additional threats. If the MacOS: BitCoinMiner-AS malware is programmed to cause other dangerous changes to the infected machines. An example is the manipulation of boot records. This will automatically trigger the launch of the threat once the computer boots and may also disable certain components from launching.
Another malware activity that can follow is the installation of a Trojan module. It establishes an encrypted (secure) connection with a hacker-controlled server which is used to spy on the users in real time, allow the criminals to overtake control of the machines and steal files.
During the miner’s execution it can also harvests information that can be grouped ino one of these two categories:
- Private Data — The malicious engine can harvest information that can expose the identity of the victims. This includes a person’s name, address, phone number, interests, location and account credentials.
- Metrics — This data set consists of data that can be used to optimize follow-up attack campaigns. Example contents include a report of the installed hardware components and certain user-set settings.
Remove MacOS: BitCoinMiner-AS from Your Mac
In order to remove MacOS: BitCoinMiner-AS from your computer, we would recommend that you use a specific software that is designed to scan for and detect all of the related files and objects to MacOS: BitCoinMiner-AS and remove them. Such program also aims to ensure that your Mac remains protected against such invasive programs and malware in the future too, while also maintaining good performance of your machine.
Martin Beltov
Martin graduated with a degree in Publishing from Sofia University. As a cyber security enthusiast he enjoys writing about the latest threats and mechanisms of intrusion.
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Preparation Phase:
Before starting to follow the steps below, be advised that you should first do the following preparations:
- Backup your files in case the worst happens.
- Make sure to have a device with these instructions on standy.
- Arm yourself with patience.
Step 1: Uninstall MacOS: BitCoinMiner-AS and remove related files and objects
1. Hit the ⇧+⌘+U keys to open Utilities. Another way is to click on “Go” and then click “Utilities”, like the image below shows:
- Go to Finder.
- In the search bar type the name of the app that you want to remove.
- Above the search bar change the two drop down menus to “System Files” and “Are Included” so that you can see all of the files associated with the application you want to remove. Bear in mind that some of the files may not be related to the app so be very careful which files you delete.
- If all of the files are related, hold the ⌘+A buttons to select them and then drive them to “Trash”.
In case you cannot remove MacOS: BitCoinMiner-AS via Step 1 above:
In case you cannot find the virus files and objects in your Applications or other places we have shown above, you can manually look for them in the Libraries of your Mac. But before doing this, please read the disclaimer below:
You can repeat the same procedure with the following other Library directories:
→ ~/Library/LaunchAgents
/Library/LaunchDaemons
Tip: ~ is there on purpose, because it leads to more LaunchAgents.
Step 2: Remove MacOS: BitCoinMiner-AS – related extensions from Safari / Chrome / Firefox
Remove an extension from Safari and reset it.
Remove a toolbar from Google Chrome
Remove a toolbar from Mozilla Firefox
Step 3: Scan for and remove MacOS: BitCoinMiner-AS files from your Mac
When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as MacOS: BitCoinMiner-AS, the recommended way of eliminating the threat is by using an anti-malware program. SpyHunter for Mac offers advanced security features along with other modules that will improve your Mac’s security and protect it in the future.
MacOS: BitCoinMiner-AS FAQ
What is MacOS: BitCoinMiner-AS on your Mac?
The MacOS: BitCoinMiner-AS threat is a potentially unwanted app or likely a Mac virus. It may slow your Mac down siginficantly and display advertisements. The main idea is for your information to likely get stolen or more ads to appear on your Mac.
The creators of such unwanted apps work with pay-per-click schemes to get your Mac to visit risky or different types of websites that may generate them funds. This is why they do not even care what types of websites show up on the ads. This makes their unwanted software indirectly risky for your MacOS.
Can my Mac get a virus?
Yes. As much as any other device, Apple computers do get viruses. Apple devices may not be a frequent target by malware authors, but rest assured that the following Apple devices can become infected with a virus:
- iMac
- Mac Mini
- Macbook Air
- Macbook Pro
- iPhone
- iPad
What are the symptoms of MacOS: BitCoinMiner-AS on your Mac?
There are several symptoms to look for when this particular threat and also most Mac threats in general are active:
Symptom #1: Your Mac may become slow and has poor performance in general.
Symtpom #2: You have toolbars, add-ons or extensions on your web browsers that you don't remember adding.
Symptom #3: You see all types of ads, like ad-supported search results, pop-ups and redirects to randomly appear.
Symptom #4: You see installed apps on your Mac running automatically and you do not remember installing them.
Symptom #5: You see suspicious processes running in your Mac's Activity Monitor.
If you see one or more of those symptoms, then security experts reccomend that you check your Mac for viruses.
What types of Mac threats are there?
According to most malware researchers and cyber-security experts, the threats that can currently infect your Mac can be the following types:
- Rogue Antivirus programs.
- Adware and hijackers.
- Trojan horses and other spyware.
- Ransomware and screen-lockers.
- Cryptocurrency miner malware.
What to do if I have a Mac virus, like MacOS: BitCoinMiner-AS?
Do not panic! You can easily get rid of most Mac threats by firstly isolating them and then removing them. One reccomended way to do that is by using a reputable malware removal software that can take care of the removal automatically for you. There are many Mac anti-malware apps out there that you can choose from. SpyHunter for Mac is one of the reccomended Mac anti-malware apps, that can scan for free and detect any viruses, tracking cookies and unwanted adware apps plus take care of them quickly. This saves time for manual removal that you would otherwise have to do.
How to secure my passwords and other data from MacOS: BitCoinMiner-AS?
With few simple actions. First and foremost, it is imperative that you follow these steps:
Step 1: Find a safe computer and connect it to another network, not the one that your Mac was infected in.
Step 2: Change all of your passwords, starting from your e-mail passwords.
Step 3: Enable two-factor authentication for protection of your important accounts.
Step 4: Call your bank to change your credit card details (secret code, etc.) if you have saved your credit card for online shopping or have done online activiites with your card.
Step 5: Make sure to call your ISP (Internet provider or carrier) and ask them to change your IP address.
Step 6: Change your Wi-Fi password.
Step 7: (Optional): Make sure to scan all of the devices connected to your network for viruses and repeat these steps for them if they are affected.
Step 8: Install anti-malware software with real-time protection on every device you have.
Step 9: Try not to download software from sites you know nothing about and stay away from low-reputation websites in general.
If you follow these reccomendations, your network and Apple devices will become significantly more safe against any threats or information invasive software and be virus free and protected in the future too.
More tips you can find on our website, where you can also ask any questions and comment about your Mac problems.
