This article aims to explain what is the LoudMiner malware and how to remove it from your infected system.
The name LoudMiner is given to a cryptocurrency miner which utilizes system resources to mine Monero cryptocurrency. LoudMiner is based on the code of another infamous miner XMRig. Since it has been reported to be cross-platform software, it can run on both Windows and macOS systems. Once started on your system it will take up a significant amount of CPU and GPU resources which may result in notable computer slowdowns.
If your computer has been compromised by this miner, we recommend that you read the following article in order to learn how to remove LoudMiner Monero miner and protect your device against future cryptojacking malware.
Threat Summary
| Name | LoudMiner |
| Type | Monero CryptoCurrency Miner |
| Short Description | Aims to use the CPU and GPU resources in order to mine for the cryptocurrency Monero. |
| Symptoms | The malware slows down your computer by using over 90% of your CPU power. |
| Distribution Method | Malicious e-mail attachments, setups or via other malware. |
| Detection Tool |
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User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss LoudMiner. |
LoudMiner Malware – How Does it Infect and What Can It Do?
LoudMiner is a new malware that is designed to mine for Monero cryptocurrency. It is a threat with highly complex code that could compromise both Windows and macOS systems.
The primary method which spreads LoudMiner malware is software bundling. Pirated copies of VST (Virtual Studio Technology) software like Nexus, Propellerhead Reason, Ableton Live, Sylenth1, Reaktor, and AutoTune appear to be the main spread mechanism. In other words, the malware comes as an extra added to the installers of audio production software. This could be explained by the fact that programs of this kind are used on machines with higher processing power. Typically, the compromised installers are designed to conceal the presence of added extras so that you are more likely to install them unintentionally. As of the channels which are usually used for the spread of corrupted programs they could be spam campaigns, untrustworthy online platforms, and P2P networks.
In addition to this, the LoudMiner malware may also be presented on various websites, pretending to be:
- Setup of software.
- Fake key generator.
- Fake license activator.
- Fraudulent driver installer.
As soon as the LoudMiner malware manages to infect the system, it triggers a long and complex sequence of malicious operations that enable it to misuse system resources for mining Monero cryptocurrency. So when the malware is executed it begins to drain from the CPU and likely the GPU’s power. It’s interesting to mention that the miner runs on systems through virtualization software. As reported it uses QEMU on macOS and Virtual Box on Windows.
The problem is that such extensive and intense exploitation of system resources may completely damage the components of your computer. At first, you may notice that the infected device is becoming slower. After a while, it may become completely unresponsive. This will definitely prevent you from using the device in a regular way.
In addition to this, since LoudMiner has access to the system, it may perform other unwanted activities such as:
- Run malicious processes with on the background and on every system boot.
- Take screenshots on your PC.
- Log your keystrokes.
- Obtain different information from your computer.
- Steal passwords and files.
Remove LoudMiner Miner from Your Windows / macOS
In order to remove this cryptocurrency miner infection from your infected system, we would advise following the removal instructions down below. They are specifically created in order to help you by explaining how to delete this malware either manually or automatically. If you lack the experience in manually eliminating all traces of LoudMiner malware from your computer, we would advise you to do so automatically. Experts always outline to download and install and advanced anti-malware software to scan your infected device and remove all malware, including LoudMiner from it. By doing this you have the opportunity to secure your machine against future malware intrusions.
Gergana Ivanova
Gergana has a bachelor's degree in Marketing. She has been with the STF team for five years, researching malware, reporting on the latest computer infections, and following digital marketing trends.
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- Guide 1: How to Remove LoudMiner from Windows.
- Guide 2: Get rid of LoudMiner from Mac OS X.
- Guide 3: Remove LoudMiner from Google Chrome.
- Guide 4: Erase LoudMiner from Mozilla Firefox.
- Guide 5: Uninstall LoudMiner from Microsoft Edge.
- Guide 6: Remove LoudMiner from Safari.
- Guide 7: Eliminate LoudMiner from Internet Explorer.
Windows Mac OS X Google Chrome Mozilla Firefox Microsoft Edge Safari Internet Explorer
How to Remove LoudMiner from Windows.
Step 1: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode to isolate and remove LoudMiner
Step 2: Uninstall LoudMiner and related software from Windows
Here is a method in few easy steps that should be able to uninstall most programs. No matter if you are using Windows 10, 8, 7, Vista or XP, those steps will get the job done. Dragging the program or its folder to the recycle bin can be a very bad decision. If you do that, bits and pieces of the program are left behind, and that can lead to unstable work of your PC, errors with the file type associations and other unpleasant activities. The proper way to get a program off your computer is to Uninstall it. To do that:
Follow the instructions above and you will successfully uninstall most programs.
Step 3: Clean any registries, created by LoudMiner on your computer.
The usually targeted registries of Windows machines are the following:
- HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
- HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
- HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce
- HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce
You can access them by opening the Windows registry editor and deleting any values, created by LoudMiner there. This can happen by following the steps underneath:
Tip: To find a virus-created value, you can right-click on it and click "Modify" to see which file it is set to run. If this is the virus file location, remove the value.
Before starting "Step 4", please boot back into Normal mode, in case you are currently in Safe Mode.
This will enable you to install and use SpyHunter 5 successfully.
Windows Mac OS X Google Chrome Mozilla Firefox Microsoft Edge Safari Internet Explorer
Get rid of LoudMiner from Mac OS X.
Step 1: Uninstall LoudMiner 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 LoudMiner 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: Scan for and remove malware from your Mac
When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts, programs and malware, the recommended way of eliminating the threat is by using an anti-malware program. Combo Cleaner offers advanced security features along with other modules that will improve your Mac’s security and protect it in the future.
Windows Mac OS X Google Chrome Mozilla Firefox Microsoft Edge Safari Internet Explorer
Remove LoudMiner from Google Chrome.
Step 1: Start Google Chrome and open the drop menu
Step 2: Move the cursor over "Tools" and then from the extended menu choose "Extensions"
Step 3: From the opened "Extensions" menu locate the unwanted extension and click on its "Remove" button.
Step 4: After the extension is removed, restart Google Chrome by closing it from the red "X" button at the top right corner and start it again.
Windows Mac OS X Google Chrome Mozilla Firefox Microsoft Edge Safari Internet Explorer
Erase LoudMiner from Mozilla Firefox.
Step 1: Start Mozilla Firefox. Open the menu window
Step 2: Select the "Add-ons" icon from the menu.
Step 3: Select the unwanted extension and click "Remove"
Step 4: After the extension is removed, restart Mozilla Firefox by closing it from the red "X" button at the top right corner and start it again.
Windows Mac OS X Google Chrome Mozilla Firefox Microsoft Edge Safari Internet Explorer
Uninstall LoudMiner from Microsoft Edge.
Step 1: Start Edge browser.
Step 2: Open the drop menu by clicking on the icon at the top right corner.
Step 3: From the drop menu select "Extensions".
Step 4: Choose the suspected malicious extension you want to remove and then click on the gear icon.
Step 5: Remove the malicious extension by scrolling down and then clicking on Uninstall.
Windows Mac OS X Google Chrome Mozilla Firefox Microsoft Edge Safari Internet Explorer
Remove LoudMiner from Safari.
Step 1: Start the Safari app.
Step 2: After hovering your mouse cursor to the top of the screen, click on the Safari text to open its drop down menu.
Step 3: From the menu, click on "Preferences".
Step 4: After that, select the 'Extensions' Tab.
Step 5: Click once on the extension you want to remove.
Step 6: Click 'Uninstall'.
A pop-up window will appear asking for confirmation to uninstall the extension. Select 'Uninstall' again, and the LoudMiner will be removed.
Windows Mac OS X Google Chrome Mozilla Firefox Microsoft Edge Safari Internet Explorer
Eliminate LoudMiner from Internet Explorer.
Step 1: Start Internet Explorer.
Step 2: Click on the gear icon labeled 'Tools' to open the drop menu and select 'Manage Add-ons'
Step 3: In the 'Manage Add-ons' window.
Step 4: Select the extension you want to remove and then click 'Disable'. A pop-up window will appear to inform you that you are about to disable the selected extension, and some more add-ons might be disabled as well. Leave all the boxes checked, and click 'Disable'.
Step 5: After the unwanted extension has been removed, restart Internet Explorer by closing it from the red 'X' button located at the top right corner and start it again.
