Miner viruses: what are they and how to remove a miner from your PC

What Are Cryptomining Viruses?

A cryptomining virus is a specialized form of malware that covertly infiltrates computers, smartphones, or other devices and exploits their hardware resources to mine cryptocurrency. Simply put, it's a program that turns your device into a "farm" for mining Bitcoin, Monero, or other cryptocurrencies without your awareness or consent. All profits generated by the infected device end up with the cybercriminals who created and distributed the malware—not the device’s legal owner.

Cryptomining viruses pose a serious threat to a wide array of devices: they can infect personal computers, laptops, mobile phones, tablets, and even corporate servers. This versatility makes them especially dangerous in today's digital environment.

The primary goal of this malware is to deploy a hidden miner that continuously solves complex mathematical problems to generate cryptocurrency. Mining viruses typically operate in the background, with no visible windows, notifications, or clear signs of their presence. However, their activity puts a significant strain on the CPU and often the GPU. As a result, infected devices may lag, overheat, and experience accelerated hardware wear due to constant operation at maximum capacity.

Who Creates Malicious Miners and Why?

Cybercriminals of all levels of organization are responsible for developing and spreading cryptomining viruses. Sometimes, well-structured hacker groups with clearly defined roles orchestrate these attacks, mainly for financial gain. By mining cryptocurrency on compromised devices, they generate a steady income and avoid the costs of expensive hardware and electricity by exploiting others' resources.

Essentially, attackers have discovered an effective way to monetize every infected computer or mobile phone: they mine cryptocurrency using your devices, your electricity, and your hardware—while keeping all profits for themselves. This model offers criminals an almost ideal business opportunity with minimal risk and expense.

Such attacks are often referred to as cryptojacking in the cybersecurity industry. Cryptojacking became especially prevalent in the late 2010s, following significant rises in cryptocurrency prices that made illegal mining even more lucrative.

Cryptomining viruses are engineered for stealth, enabling them to operate undetected on victims’ devices for extended periods. This benefits attackers: unlike ransomware, which immediately announces its presence and demands payment to restore data, mining viruses can secretly mine cryptocurrency for months or years without notice.

Criminals continually refine their techniques to discreetly install miners on user devices, as this branch of cybercrime remains highly profitable. Some modern cryptomining viruses are part of complex, multifunctional malware packages. Beyond mining, they may also steal sensitive data, intercept passwords, or provide hackers with remote access for further attacks.

How Infection Occurs—and Are Phones at Risk?

Malicious miners usually don’t infiltrate devices automatically—they require installation by an attacker or by special dropper malware. Devices can be infected through several primary vectors, each exploiting different user behaviors or technical vulnerabilities:

Downloading Infected Software

One of the most common methods is disguising the miner as legitimate software. Attackers often package mining viruses within pirated versions of popular programs or games, Windows OS activators, cracks to bypass license protection, and similar files. Users who download these files from torrent sites, file-sharing platforms, or third-party websites and run the installer may unwittingly install a hidden miner alongside the desired program. This tactic is effective because users seeking pirated content often disable antivirus protection to bypass warnings about potentially unwanted software.

Using Dropper Viruses

Attackers may use droppers—small malware programs that infiltrate a computer (through software vulnerabilities or bundled with other software), then download the main miner file from the internet. Droppers can install miners, configure them for automatic startup, and mask their presence by renaming processes or hiding files from detection.

Phishing and Email Attachments

A classic but still effective approach: the user receives an email with a malicious attachment (such as a Word document with a malicious macro, an archive containing an executable, or a program disguised as a legitimate application). Opening or running the file can trigger a script that downloads and installs the mining virus. Alternatively, the email may include a link to a phishing site that encourages downloading a “critical update,” “important document,” or other seemingly legitimate file that is actually malware.

Exploits and Network Worms

Advanced mining viruses can self-propagate by exploiting operating system or network protocol vulnerabilities. For example, the well-known WannaMine virus uses exploits targeting Windows operating systems and can spread automatically across local networks to other vulnerable machines without user intervention. These threats are especially dangerous in corporate environments, where a single infected computer can quickly compromise an entire infrastructure.

Browser-Based Scripts (Cryptojacking)

Sometimes cryptocurrency mining happens directly in the web browser while visiting certain sites. Attackers embed JavaScript-based miners into web pages—while the user stays on the page and the browser is open, their computer mines cryptocurrency for the site owner. This method does not require file installation but can significantly slow down browser and system performance. Mining stops when the tab or browser is closed, making this threat difficult to detect.

Can Smartphones Be Infected by Miners?

Yes—mobile devices are also vulnerable to cryptomining viruses. Malicious mining programs exist for Android, and there have been numerous cases of hidden miners embedded in various mobile apps. Notably, infection can occur even through the official Google Play Store, though such cases are rare due to robust security reviews.

The most common scenario for mobile infection is downloading and installing an app from an unreliable source (pirated app, messenger attachment, email file, fake system update), after which a hidden miner is installed. On smartphones, infection usually happens when apps are installed outside the official app store, or, more rarely, through vulnerabilities or counterfeit apps that temporarily enter the official store before detection and removal.

Examples of Well-Known Mining Malware

CoinMiner. A general term for a broad family of mining trojans from various sources. These programs typically infect computers through malicious email attachments, phishing websites, or infected files distributed via file-sharing networks and torrents.

XMRig. A popular open-source mining software for Monero, often covertly deployed by attackers on compromised devices. While XMRig itself is legitimate and widely used by ethical users, cybercriminals frequently modify and bundle it with viruses to exploit others’ computing resources illegally.

WannaMine. A highly dangerous mining virus named in reference to the infamous ransomware WannaCry. WannaMine can self-propagate by exploiting Windows operating system vulnerabilities to automatically infect other computers on a local network without user intervention.

HiddenMiner. A specialized mobile miner designed for Android. It hides within seemingly harmless apps, most often distributed via third-party app stores and file-sharing platforms. Once installed, the app covertly begins mining cryptocurrency, heavily taxing the smartphone’s CPU and reducing battery life.

Smominru. One of the largest known botnets created specifically for cryptocurrency mining. At its peak, Smominru infected over 500,000 Windows servers worldwide. Attackers used the computing power of compromised servers for large-scale Monero mining, earning substantial profits.

How Much Can Criminals Earn from Mining Viruses?

Each infected device yields relatively small profits for attackers, but when thousands or tens of thousands of devices are compromised, total earnings can be significant.

To illustrate the problem’s scale, consider these facts and cybersecurity expert estimates:

• Studies show that in previous years, about 5% of all circulating Monero was mined illegally through malicious mining on infected devices. At the time, this amounted to approximately $175 million, highlighting the vast scope of the issue.
• Experts estimate that botnets with mining viruses enabled cybercriminals to earn over $7 million in just six months during a period of rapid growth in the crypto market.
• The large botnet Smominru was estimated to generate tens of thousands of dollars monthly for its operators, and may have earned several million dollars during its existence.

Even a relatively small “home” botnet with a few hundred infected machines can yield hundreds of dollars in steady monthly income for its operators, making the creation and distribution of mining viruses attractive to cybercriminals at every level.

How to Tell If Your Device Is Infected with a Miner

Cryptomining viruses are designed for maximum stealth and operate unseen, but they can't completely hide. Malicious software gives itself away through certain indirect signs you should watch for.

1. Performance Drops

One of the first and most obvious warning signs is a sudden, unexplained drop in device performance. If your computer starts lagging on everyday tasks, or your smartphone stutters with basic apps, it's time to investigate and check your system.

2. Device Overheating

Infected devices often show signs of overheating: for example, a laptop or phone may become hot even when no resource-heavy apps or games are running. Desktop computer fans may run at high speed constantly, producing noticeable noise—an indication of increased processor load.

3. Suspicious Programs Running

The operating system’s Task Manager may show unfamiliar processes with unusual names consuming significant system resources (CPU time, RAM). If you spot anything suspicious, investigate further.

4. Consistently High CPU/GPU Usage

Your computer may show high CPU or GPU load even when idle (no demanding tasks, games, or video editing apps running). Open Task Manager and look for any process consistently using 70–100% of CPU or GPU resources without a clear reason.

Note: Usage may drop or disappear when you try to monitor it. Sophisticated mining viruses can pause or reduce activity if they detect Task Manager or monitoring software, trying to evade detection.

5. System Slowdowns and Lag

The OS and apps may respond slowly, programs take longer to open, and video playback may stutter or freeze. Games may lag and show reduced frame rates (FPS), making gameplay uncomfortable.

6. Rapid Battery Drain

If your computer’s fans run at full speed nearly nonstop, creating extra noise, or your smartphone heats up and the battery drains much faster than normal—even with minimal use—this may indicate hidden cryptocurrency mining in the background.

7. Antivirus Alerts

If your antivirus software starts warning about Trojan.Miner, CoinMiner, or blocks suspicious processes and network connections, your system is likely infected with a mining virus.

8. Increased Network Traffic or Suspicious Activity

Mining viruses typically don’t use much internet traffic, but if part of a larger botnet, they may communicate actively with remote servers. You may notice unknown connections in firewall settings or unexplained spikes in outgoing traffic, especially when you're not actively using the internet.

How to Remove a Miner

Manually Removing a Miner from Your PC

Here’s a step-by-step guide to manually removing a mining virus from your computer:

1. Disconnect your device from the internet. This prevents the malware from communicating with its command server and stops further spread on your local network. Turn off Wi-Fi or unplug the network cable.

2. Identify and terminate suspicious processes. Open Task Manager (Ctrl+Shift+Esc in Windows) and check which process is causing high CPU or GPU usage. If you find a suspicious process, select it and click "End Task" to stop it.

3. Locate the miner file. In Windows Task Manager, right-click the suspicious process and choose "Open file location." This opens the folder containing the mining virus executable. Note or copy the full path for the next steps.

4. Delete the virus files. Delete the miner file and any related files in the same folder. If you can't delete the file because it's in use, restart your computer in Safe Mode and try again.

5. Clean up startup and scheduled tasks. Review your startup program list in Task Manager → “Startup” tab and disable unknown or suspicious entries. Also, check Windows Task Scheduler for unfamiliar scheduled tasks created by mining viruses and delete them.

6. Restart your computer and check its status. After completing these steps, reboot your computer and observe its behavior: check if cooling fans have quieted, background CPU load is gone, and the suspicious process has not reappeared.

7. Scan your system with antivirus software. After manual cleanup, run a full scan with reputable antivirus software to detect and remove any remaining malware.

Removing a Mining Virus with Free Tools

Step 1. Use Dr.Web CureIt! scanner. This free, portable antivirus scanner doesn’t require installation. Download the latest version from Dr.Web’s official website, close unnecessary apps, and run the scanner. In the main window, click "Select objects to scan" and check all disks and partitions. Start the scan.

After scanning, you’ll see a list of all detected threats. CureIt recognizes most miners and variants. Click "Neutralize" or "Delete" to clean your system.

Step 2. Scan with built-in antivirus (Microsoft Defender). For extra reliability, scan your system with another antivirus tool. Windows 10/11 includes Microsoft Defender. Make sure virus definitions are up to date. Go to Windows Security Center → "Virus & threat protection" → "Scan options." Select Full Scan and run it.

Step 3. Alternative free antivirus tools. If the previous steps don’t work, try other trusted free utilities: Malwarebytes Free, Kaspersky Virus Removal Tool, ESET Online Scanner, or Zemana AntiMalware Free.

What to Do If the Miner Won’t Delete

If the mining virus keeps restoring itself after removal attempts, try these extra steps:

• Run scans in Safe Mode. Antivirus programs are more effective in Safe Mode, where malware is inactive and easier to remove.
• Try a different antivirus utility. Use Malwarebytes, Dr.Web CureIt, or Kaspersky Virus Removal Tool—different tools may catch what others miss.
• Check for remaining autorun mechanisms. Some antivirus software deletes the miner executable but leaves scheduled tasks or startup entries that re-download the virus.
• Seek help on cybersecurity forums. Visit support forums for antivirus products or security communities, where experts can help analyze logs and remove stubborn threats.
• Last resort—reinstall your operating system. If nothing else works, a full reinstall of Windows or Android with disk formatting will remove the problem, though it’s a drastic measure.

How to Protect Your Computer from Hidden Miners

• Install reliable antivirus software and keep it active. Quality antivirus software can block mining viruses during attempted infiltration. Update antivirus databases regularly for ongoing protection.

• Keep your operating system and software updated. Install all security updates for Windows, Android, and applications as soon as they’re available. Mining viruses often exploit vulnerabilities that have already been patched.

• Avoid downloading software from unverified sources. Don’t use pirated programs, games, or apps. Stick to official app stores (Microsoft Store, Google Play) and developer websites.

• Be cautious with emails and links. Never open attachments from unknown senders or suspicious sources. Don’t click questionable links in emails, texts, or messenger apps, especially those that promise too much or demand urgent action.

• Use ad and script blockers in your browser. Install browser extensions like uBlock Origin, AdBlock Plus, or NoScript (for advanced users) to guard against web-based cryptojacking.

• Monitor your device’s status regularly. Check Task Manager for suspicious processes, monitor CPU and GPU temperatures, and act immediately if you notice anything unusual.

FAQ

What Is a Cryptomining Virus (Cryptominer)? How Does It Work?

A cryptomining virus is malware that covertly uses your computer’s resources to mine cryptocurrency. It spreads via phishing and vulnerabilities, causing high CPU load and system slowdown. Signs of infection include excessive CPU usage, unusual network activity, and device overheating.

How Can I Tell If My Computer Is Infected with a Mining Virus? What Are the Symptoms?

Common symptoms include GPU overheating and noise, sluggish computer performance, CPU usage above 60%, and increased internet traffic. Use antivirus software to scan your system and remove threats.

How Do I Completely Remove a Cryptomining Virus from My Computer?

Install antivirus software (Dr.Web, Kaspersky) and perform a full system scan. Use CCleaner to remove remnants. Check Task Manager and Task Scheduler for suspicious processes and delete them. Disable JavaScript in your browser. If necessary, reinstall Windows. Keep your security updated.

What Damage Do Cryptomining Viruses Cause to a Computer, and What Are the Consequences?

Cryptomining viruses consume significant computing resources, slow down system and network performance, and strain CPU and memory, disrupting normal operations. Attackers may also use infected systems to steal confidential information and launch further attacks.

How Can I Prevent My Computer from Being Infected by a Miner?

Install reliable antivirus software, avoid downloads from unreliable sources, keep your operating system and software updated, disable JavaScript in your browser, and monitor processor usage.

Through Which Channels Are Cryptomining Viruses Transmitted?

Cryptomining viruses spread through web vulnerabilities (drive-by downloads), weak database passwords, malicious apps, phishing emails, and infected torrents. They also propagate via compromised websites and ad networks.

Can Antivirus Software Detect and Remove Cryptomining Viruses?

Yes, antivirus software usually detects and removes miners, but effectiveness depends on up-to-date virus definitions and detection capabilities. Use trusted solutions with regular updates.

After Removing a Miner from My Computer, What Additional Security Measures Should I Take?

Update all software, run a full antivirus scan, change passwords, and consider reinstalling your operating system for complete protection.