This article has been created in order to explain what is the WinstarNssmMiner Trojan and how to remove this malware completely from your computer.
The WinstarNssmMiner virus is a stealth Trojan that can infect computer networks and infiltrate both end users and enterprise targets. It takes advantage of the available computer resources in order to generate income for the operators.
Threat Summary
| Name | WinstarNssmMiner |
| Type | Trojan Horse/CryptoCurrency Miner |
| Short Description | Silently infects your computer after which begins to mine for cryptocurrencies via a fake executable process.. |
| Symptoms | A very high resource usage and unusual operating system interaction. |
| Distribution Method | Malicious web links, Malicious Files, Malicious E-Mails |
| Detection Tool |
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User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss WinstarNssmMiner. |
WinstarNssmMiner – How Does It Infect
The WinstarNssmMiner miner is deployed using the traditional distribution tactics for this type. A common way is to integrate the miner code in payloads. Two popular examples are the following:
- Infected Documents — The WinstarNssmMiner miner code can be embedded in files such as text documents, spreadsheets or presentations. Once the users open the files they will be presented with a notification prompt that asks the victims to enable the built-in macros (scripts). When this is done the virus code will be downloaded from a remote server and loaded onto the target system.
- Software Installers — The code can be embedded in a similar way in application installers of popular software. The hackers typically choose well-known products such as productivity solutions, creativity suites, system utilities and etc.
These payloads can be uploaded to fake download portals that may be designed to look like legitimate web services. They are done by setting up similar domain names and using stolen graphics and text, as well as other elements. Typically they feature malicious scripts that can cause redirects, pop-ups, banners and other related code. Be aware that file sharing networks such as BitTorrent are often employed as well.
The WinstarNssmMiner miner can be embedded in browser hijackers as well. They represent dangerous browser plugins that are designed to redirect the victims to a hacker-controlled site, extract their sensitive data and deliver virus threats like this one. They are usually made compatible with the most popular applications: Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome, Internet Explorer, Safari, Opera and Microsoft Edge. The most popular delivery method is to advertise them in the relevant plugin repositories of the browsers by using elaborate descriptions, fake user reviews and credentials.
WinstarNssmMiner – More Information and Analysis
The WinstarNssmMiner miner is described as an advanced hybrid threat as it features both miner and Trojan code. As it uses a modular engine it can be customized according to the attack campaign. If it follows the common behavior tactics associated with similar threats it can first scan the victim for any applications that can interfere with the virus’s execution. This security bypass technique is usually aimed against virtual machine hosts, anti-virus solutions and sandbox environments. In certain cases the engine can be programmed into deleting itself if the bypass is not succesful.
Once the infection is allowed access to the infected host it can induce Windows Registry changes. When strings associated with any user-installed application are modified certain services and functions can stop working. When the changes affect the operating system the victims may experience overall performance issues.
As it is classified as a Cryptojacking virus it monitors the web browser activity and looks our for certain strings related to cryptocurrency operations. The main goal is to change the recipients address when digital currency transfers are ordered. This is done by looking out for strings such as Bitcoin, Zcash, Monero, Ethereum, Bitcoin Cash and others.
The malware engine uses a corrupted version of svchost.exe which hooks to the operating system processes. It is responsible for starting a Monero Miner which takes advantage of the available system resources in order to generate income for the hacker operators.
Remove WinstarNssmMiner Effectively from Windows
In order to fully get rid of this cryptocurrency miner Trojan, we advise you to follow the removal instructions underneath this article. They are made so that they help you to isolate and then delete the WinstarNssmMiner Trojan either manually or automatically. If manual removal represents difficulty for you, experts always advise to perform the removal automatically by running an anti-malware scan via specific software on your PC. Such anti-malware program aims to make sure that the WinstarNssmMiner is fully gone and your Windows OS stays safe against any future malware infections.
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 before removing WinstarNssmMiner.
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 WinstarNssmMiner with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Step 2: Clean any registries, created by WinstarNssmMiner 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 WinstarNssmMiner 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 WinstarNssmMiner 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.
WinstarNssmMiner FAQ
What Does WinstarNssmMiner Trojan Do?
The WinstarNssmMiner 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 WinstarNssmMiner, 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 WinstarNssmMiner 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 WinstarNssmMiner 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 WinstarNssmMiner Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this WinstarNssmMiner 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 WinstarNssmMiner?
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 WinstarNssmMiner threat is backed with VirusTotal.
To better understand the threat posed by trojans, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.