This article will help you understand what the zeiss.exe miner malware process is and what it does to your system. You will also be provided with instructions on how to fully remove the malicious process from your system.
Malware researchers have just detected a new malicious process – zeiss.exe – that is associated with cryptocurrency mining operations. The miner uses this process which runs in the background of the affected computer. The process may belong to a Trojan downloader which may deploy it to mine for Bitcoin or other cryptocurrencies as well. The zeiss.exe miner malware mines for cryptocurrencies by calculating hashes, which means that the system’s resources (CPU) will be affected. As a result, the computer’s performance will be affected due to overheating, especially in cases where the miner resides in the system for longer periods of time.
That being said, if you notice the zeiss.exe process in your Task Manager, you should proceed towards removing the miner as soon as possible from your system. Detailed instructions on how to remove the miner are provided in the end of this article.
Threat Summary
| Name | zeiss.exe |
| Type | Miner malware |
| Short Description | Enters your computer via malicious websites or malicious e-mail attachments and uses the zeiss.exe miner process to generate cryptocurrency tokens at the expense of your computer’s resources. |
| Symptoms | Your computer’s performance is heavily affected, other malicious activities may be taking place on your system as well. |
| Distribution Method | Via malicious e-mails, malicious websites, fake setups. |
| Detection Tool |
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zeiss.exe Miner Malware Distribution Methods
There are various ways of distribution for the zeiss.exe malicious process. Attackers may be using tools to conceal the malware so that it spreads easily across more machines:
- Malware obfuscators.
- Cryptors
- Trojan.Downloaders
- Malicious JavaScript to infect via compromised websites
- Spam bots and malicious e-mail attachments, macros
- Using fake file setups
Zeiss.exe Miner Malware Malicious Activities
The zeiss.exe miner is most likely distributed via a Trojan horse which means that it may be able to connect to a command and control server. In addition, the miner may create various files that may be dropped in multiple folders on the system:
- %AppData%
- %Local%
- %LocalLow%
- %Roaming%
- %Temp%
As already mentioned, the main purpose of the malware associated with zeiss.exe malicious process is to mine for cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin. This will lead to the increased usage of CPU resources, which will directly affect the overall performance of the computer. The miner will also connect the victim’s machine to cybercriminals’ wallet. When enough computers are infected, a virtual mining rig is created with multiple infected devices generating extreme amounts of the desired cryptocurrency. In other words, cybercriminals are making profit at the expense of infected computers’ resources.
However, mining is definitely not the only malicious activity that may be associated with zeiss.exe. Here is a list of other malicious activities stemming from this process:
- Important passwords and account names may be stolen.
- A keylogger may be dropped to collect keystrokers.
- The malware may be able to take screenshots.
- The malware may be able to self-update.
- The malware may be able to send itself to other computers on a network.
zeiss.exe Miner Malware Removal Instructions
To delete the malware and all the associated files, you should follow the instructions provided below the article. These removal instructions have been created to help you remove zeiss.exe manually. However, if you want to be completely sure that no traces of the malware are left on your computer’s system, you may want to use a powerful anti-malware tool to remove everything for you. In addition, such a tool will continue to guard your system against malicious software after you have removed everything associated with zeiss.exe.
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Preparation before removing zeiss.exe.
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 zeiss.exe with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Step 2: Clean any registries, created by zeiss.exe 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 zeiss.exe 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 zeiss.exe 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.
zeiss.exe FAQ
What Does zeiss.exe Trojan Do?
The zeiss.exe 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 zeiss.exe, 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 zeiss.exe 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 zeiss.exe 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 zeiss.exe Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this zeiss.exe 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 zeiss.exe?
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 zeiss.exe threat is backed with VirusTotal.
To better understand the threat posed by trojans, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.