This article aims to help you by showing you how to remove the Miner Trojan using Coinhive JavaScript to mine your PC for Monero cryptocurrency.
A new mining Trojan Horse has been detected on victims computers. The Trojan is unique by the fact that it uses the online mining website, called Coinhive, which takes advantage of JavaScript technology to mine the cryptocurrency Monero on the computer of the ones visiting it. However, the Trojan manipulates this JavaScript to incorporate it into it’s code and runs scripts that mine it at the expense of your computer’s resources. If you suspect that your computer has been infected by this Trojan horse, we strongly advise you to read this article and learn how to detect and remove Coinhive Monero Miner Trojan.
Threat Summary
| Name | Coinhive Monero Miner Trojan |
| Type | Crypto Miner Malware |
| Short Description | The end goal of this malware is to mine for the Cryptocurrency Monero, using your computer’s CPU and GPU resources. |
| Symptoms | Having this malware on your PC, results in elevated CPU and GPU usage by it’s malicious process. If it remains on your computer for longer periods of time, the virus may even break your computer’s components. |
| Distribution Method | Spam Emails, Email Attachments, Executable files |
| Detection Tool |
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User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss Coinhive Monero Miner Trojan. |
Update November 2017!
Coinhive Monero miner has become one of the most widely distributed JavaScript miner, spreading on a lot of websites all over the world wide web. The miner has been detected in Torrent sites, sites of suspicious character and even online blogs.
Coinhive Monero Miner Trojan – How Did I Get Infected?
The infection process, related to Coinhive Monero Miner is no different than with any other malware. The virus may come on your computer as a result from you downloading a rather suspicious setup, patch, license activator or a malicious Microsoft Office document on your computer and executing it. Such may pose as different types of legitimate files which are either uploaded on torrent websites or uploaded on suspicious downloading sites.
The main method by which most victims become infected with mining Trojans, such as the Coinhive Monero Miner is actually via e-mail spam messages. Most messages aim to trick victims into opening a malicious e-mail attachment, making it look like, the attachment is a legitimate file, such as:
- Receipt.
- Invoice.
- Banking statement.
- Report of suspicious activity in your PayPal / banking account.
The messages in such e-mails may look like the example below:
We could not deliver your parcel, #00000739097
FedEx 2Day A.M.
Sent: Tuesday, August 18. 2015 at 3:14 AM
To: Contact
Attached file: Delivery_Notification_00000739097.zip (2.5 KB)
Dear Customer,
we could not deliver your parcel.
You can review complete details of your order in the find attached.
warm regards,
Marshall Hampton,
Sr. Operation Agent.
Coinhive Miner Trojan – Malicious Activity
When an infection with Coinhive Miner Trojan takes place on your computer, the malware immediately begins to drop it’s payload files on your computer. They may be dropped in some of the following Windows directories or a completely random one on your PC:
- %AppData%
- %Local%
- %LocalLow%
- %Roaming%
- %Temp%
After this is done, the virus may run a malicious file which is executed in an obfuscated manner. To achieve this, the Trojan uses obfuscation software that hides it from antivirus programs’ definitions. The file is ran as an .exe process on your Windows Task Manager and it may be hidden. If it is not hidden, you can detect by the fact that it may take a significant percentage of your GPU (Video Card) and CPU (Central Processor). This may result in your computer slowing down significantly to even freezing at times, especially if it is a low-end rig.
The malicious executable, belonging to Coinhive Miner Trojan is also a file that may establish connection to the Coinhive network and mine Monero hashes using your computer’s resources. Although mining is profitable in some cases with the appropriate rigs, the Monero mining operation accredits Monero coins to the hacker who installed the Trojan on your computer instead of to you.
Furthermore, since Coinhive Miner Trojan is malware, it may also be configured to steal different information from your computer, which may be:
- Your passwords.
- Your financial information.
- Your system information.
- Your unsecured connection ports.
The virus may use this and other information to perform other malicious activities on your computer system, like:
- Install other crypto mining Trojans.
- Update it’s obfuscation to remain undetected for longer periods on your computer systems.
- Collect the keystrokes you type in real-time.
- Collect data, concering your IP address, network, antivirus and information, like the one stated in the bullet points above.
How to Detect and Remove Coinhive Monero Miner Trojan
For the removal process of this Monero miner, you will have to isolate the virus and look for the files to delete them. You also have to manually locate the settings it has changed and revert them back to normal. However, since this takes time, experts recommend removing Coinhive Monero Miner automatically from your computer by detecting it with an advanced anti-malware software. Installing such program will also help you stay protected against future infections, like the Coinhive Monero Miner Trojan.
Ventsislav Krastev
Ventsislav is a cybersecurity expert at SensorsTechForum since 2015. He has been researching, covering, helping victims with the latest malware infections plus testing and reviewing software and the newest tech developments. Having graduated Marketing as well, Ventsislav also has passion for learning new shifts and innovations in cybersecurity that become game changers. After studying Value Chain Management, Network Administration and Computer Administration of System Applications, he found his true calling within the cybersecrurity industry and is a strong believer in the education of every user towards online safety and security.
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Preparation before removing Coinhive Monero Miner Trojan.
Before starting the actual removal process, we recommend that you do the following preparation steps.
- Make sure you have these instructions always open and in front of your eyes.
- Do a backup of all of your files, even if they could be damaged. You should back up your data with a cloud backup solution and insure your files against any type of loss, even from the most severe threats.
- Be patient as this could take a while.
- Scan for Malware
- Fix Registries
- Remove Virus Files
Step 1: Scan for Coinhive Monero Miner Trojan with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Step 2: Clean any registries, created by Coinhive Monero Miner Trojan 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 Coinhive Monero Miner Trojan 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.Step 3: Find virus files created by Coinhive Monero Miner Trojan on your PC.
1.For Windows 8, 8.1 and 10.
For Newer Windows Operating Systems
1: On your keyboard press + R and write explorer.exe in the Run text box and then click on the Ok button.
2: Click on your PC from the quick access bar. This is usually an icon with a monitor and its name is either “My Computer”, “My PC” or “This PC” or whatever you have named it.
3: Navigate to the search box in the top-right of your PC's screen and type “fileextension:” and after which type the file extension. If you are looking for malicious executables, an example may be "fileextension:exe". After doing that, leave a space and type the file name you believe the malware has created. Here is how it may appear if your file has been found:
N.B. We recommend to wait for the green loading bar in the navigation box to fill up in case the PC is looking for the file and hasn't found it yet.
2.For Windows XP, Vista, and 7.
For Older Windows Operating Systems
In older Windows OS's the conventional approach should be the effective one:
1: Click on the Start Menu icon (usually on your bottom-left) and then choose the Search preference.
2: After the search window appears, choose More Advanced Options from the search assistant box. Another way is by clicking on All Files and Folders.
3: After that type the name of the file you are looking for and click on the Search button. This might take some time after which results will appear. If you have found the malicious file, you may copy or open its location by right-clicking on it.
Now you should be able to discover any file on Windows as long as it is on your hard drive and is not concealed via special software.
Coinhive Monero Miner Trojan FAQ
What Does Coinhive Monero Miner Trojan Trojan Do?
The Coinhive Monero Miner Trojan Trojan is a malicious computer program designed to disrupt, damage, or gain unauthorized access to a computer system. It can be used to steal sensitive data, gain control over a system, or launch other malicious activities.
Can Trojans Steal Passwords?
Yes, Trojans, like Coinhive Monero Miner Trojan, can steal passwords. These malicious programs are designed to gain access to a user's computer, spy on victims and steal sensitive information such as banking details and passwords.
Can Coinhive Monero Miner Trojan Trojan Hide Itself?
Yes, it can. A Trojan can use various techniques to mask itself, including rootkits, encryption, and obfuscation, to hide from security scanners and evade detection.
Can a Trojan be Removed by Factory Reset?
Yes, a Trojan can be removed by factory resetting your device. This is because it will restore the device to its original state, eliminating any malicious software that may have been installed. Bear in mind that there are more sophisticated Trojans that leave backdoors and reinfect even after a factory reset.
Can Coinhive Monero Miner Trojan Trojan Infect WiFi?
Yes, it is possible for a Trojan to infect WiFi networks. When a user connects to the infected network, the Trojan can spread to other connected devices and can access sensitive information on the network.
Can Trojans Be Deleted?
Yes, Trojans can be deleted. This is typically done by running a powerful anti-virus or anti-malware program that is designed to detect and remove malicious files. In some cases, manual deletion of the Trojan may also be necessary.
Can Trojans Steal Files?
Yes, Trojans can steal files if they are installed on a computer. This is done by allowing the malware author or user to gain access to the computer and then steal the files stored on it.
Which Anti-Malware Can Remove Trojans?
Anti-malware programs such as SpyHunter are capable of scanning for and removing Trojans from your computer. It is important to keep your anti-malware up to date and regularly scan your system for any malicious software.
Can Trojans Infect USB?
Yes, Trojans can infect USB devices. USB Trojans typically spread through malicious files downloaded from the internet or shared via email, allowing the hacker to gain access to a user's confidential data.
About the Coinhive Monero Miner Trojan Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this Coinhive Monero Miner Trojan how-to removal guide included, is the outcome of extensive research, hard work and our team’s devotion to help you remove the specific trojan problem.
How did we conduct the research on Coinhive Monero Miner Trojan?
Please note that our research is based on an independent investigation. We are in contact with independent security researchers, thanks to which we receive daily updates on the latest malware definitions, including the various types of trojans (backdoor, downloader, infostealer, ransom, etc.)
Furthermore, the research behind the Coinhive Monero Miner Trojan threat is backed with VirusTotal.
To better understand the threat posed by trojans, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.