This article aims to explain what is the VMProtectss.exe Monero cryptocurrency miner and how to remove it from your computer system.
A new Trojan horse which aims to mine for the cryptocurrency Monero has been reported to utilize the resources on the victims’ computer in order to obtain tokens from the crypto. The miner, has been reported to primarily take up the CPU and GPU resources, which results in the victim’s computer slowing down significantly. If your computer has been compromised by the VMProtectss.exe miner, we recommend that you read the following article in order to learn how to remove thw VMProtectss.exe Monero miner and protect your computer against future cryptojacking malware.
Threat Summary
| Name | VMProtectss.exe XMRig Miner |
| Type | CryptoCurrency Miner |
| Short Description | A Trojan horse that aims to use the CPU and GPU of the computers infected by it in order to mine for the cryptocurrency Monero. |
| Symptoms | VMProtectss.exe Monero miner is the type of malware that slows down your computer and runs it’s .exe process in the Task Manager with over 90% of your CPU being utilized. |
| Distribution Method | Malicious e-mail attachments, setups or via other malware. |
| Detection Tool |
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User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss VMProtectss.exe XMRig Miner. |
VMProtectss.exe Miner – How Does it Infect
The VMProtectss.exe miner may be spread in a variety of methods. The most likely of all, which also accounts to over 80% of the malware infections is believed to be via malicious e-mail spamming messages.Such are often spread in a variety of ways, including e-mails that pretend the malicious files are legitimate:
- Documents.
- Order receipts.
- Invoices.
- Order confirmations.
The e-mails that are sent usually resemble big companies from the likes of eBay, PayPal and other online retailers and big companies of similar nature.
In addition to this, the VMProtectss.exe Monero miner may also exist in other forms such as being uploaded on websites, pretending to be:
- Setup of software.
- Fake key generator.
- Fake license activator.
- Fraudulent driver installer.
VMProtectss.exe Monero Miner – More Information
As soon as the VMProtect Miner has infected your computer, the malware may immediately download it’s malicious process, called VMProtectss.exe. This process is then scheduled in the Windows Task Schedule to run as an adminstrator automatically and when the process is executed it begins to drain from the CPU and likely the GPU’s power. It remains active in Windows task Manager where it can be spotted:
What is very problematic regarding this miner is that it will not only use portion of your CPU, but it will aim to use as much as it can. This will result in your computer becoming slow and unresponsive. But this is not all – if the malware remains active on your computer for longer periods of time, you risk damaging the components of your computer system.
In addition to this, since VMProtectss.exe is a Trojan horse after all, the miner may perform other unwanted activities on your computer system, such as:
- Run the VMProtectss.exe miner process with a description XMRig CPU Miner constantly in the background and on system boot.
- Take screenshots on your PC.
- Log your keystrokes.
- Obtain different information from your computer.
- Steal passwords and files.
Remove VMProtectss.exe Miner from Your PC
In order to remove this cryptocurrency miner infection from your computer 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 VMProtectss.exe 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 computer and remove all malware, including VMProtectss.exe from it and ensure future protection in real time at a click of a button.
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 VMProtectss.exe XMRig Miner.
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 VMProtectss.exe XMRig Miner with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Step 2: Clean any registries, created by VMProtectss.exe XMRig Miner 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 VMProtectss.exe XMRig Miner 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 VMProtectss.exe XMRig Miner 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.
VMProtectss.exe XMRig Miner FAQ
What Does VMProtectss.exe XMRig Miner Trojan Do?
The VMProtectss.exe XMRig Miner 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 VMProtectss.exe XMRig Miner, 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 VMProtectss.exe XMRig Miner 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 VMProtectss.exe XMRig Miner 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 VMProtectss.exe XMRig Miner Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this VMProtectss.exe XMRig Miner 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 VMProtectss.exe XMRig Miner?
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 VMProtectss.exe XMRig Miner threat is backed with VirusTotal.
To better understand the threat posed by trojans, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.