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

What Are Crypto-Mining Viruses?

Crypto-mining viruses are a form of malware that stealthily infiltrates computers, smartphones, or other devices and exploits their computing power to mine cryptocurrencies. This specialized software turns your device into a mining “farm” for digital coins such as Bitcoin, Monero, or similar tokens. All mining profits are diverted to cybercriminals behind the attack, rather than the device’s owner.

The main purpose of such malware is to install a hidden miner that operates around the clock, solving complex mathematical problems to generate cryptocurrency. This activity places heavy demand on the CPU and GPU, leading to significant consequences. Devices infected with crypto-mining viruses often slow down noticeably, overheat, and suffer from a reduced lifespan due to continuous operation at maximum capacity.

Who Develops Malicious Miners and Why?

Crypto-mining viruses are created and propagated by cybercriminals ranging from amateurs to organized hacker groups seeking financial gain. In professional circles, these attacks are commonly referred to as cryptojacking—a term describing the unlawful use of someone else’s computing resources for cryptocurrency mining.

These viruses are designed to operate covertly, so victims may remain unaware of infections for months. This stealth is advantageous for hackers—unlike ransomware, which immediately demands a ransom, miners can quietly extract coins for extended periods without attracting attention. This approach ensures cybercriminals a stable and long-term income stream.

How Devices Become Infected—Are Phones Vulnerable?

Malicious miners do not typically infect devices automatically; they must be installed by attackers or intermediary malware. Cybercriminals leverage several common infection methods.

Downloading Infected Software

Miners often masquerade as pirated versions of popular programs or games, Windows activators, or other enticing software. When users download these files from untrusted sources, the miner installs unseen alongside the desired app and immediately begins operating in the background.

Via Specialized Dropper Viruses

Attackers frequently use droppers—small, specialized viruses that enter computers via software vulnerabilities and then download and install the miner. This method enables them to bypass many security systems.

Through Email and Phishing

Attackers send emails with infected attachments, such as Word documents containing malicious macros, archives, or executables. They also use links to phishing sites, which automatically install miners when visited.

Exploits and Network Worms

Some miners function as self-replicating programs that exploit operating system vulnerabilities. They automatically spread throughout local networks, infecting all accessible devices without user intervention.

Via Browser Scripts (Cryptojacking)

Occasionally, mining occurs directly in the browser when visiting certain websites containing embedded JavaScript miners. In these cases, the malicious code does not install on the device but operates only while the user remains on the compromised site.

Smartphone Infection

Mobile devices are also at risk from crypto-mining viruses. Malicious mining software is actively developed for Android, and there are numerous cases where hidden miners were embedded in apps and distributed even through the official Google Play store. Notable examples include HiddenMiner and Loapi.

Examples of Notorious Malicious Miners

• CoinMiner – a collective name for various mining trojans widely distributed via infected emails and phishing websites
• XMRig – legitimate Monero mining software frequently repackaged by attackers into malware and spread without users’ knowledge
• WannaMine – a dangerous miner that exploits Windows OS vulnerabilities to automatically spread across corporate and home networks
• HiddenMiner – a specialized Android mobile miner capable of completely locking the device
• Smominru – one of the largest known mining botnets, infecting over 500,000 servers globally and generating millions of dollars for its creators

How Much Can Criminals Earn from Miners?

Each infected device yields only a modest daily sum—ranging from a few cents to several dollars, depending on the device’s power and the cryptocurrency mined. However, with mass infections in which thousands or even hundreds of thousands of devices are compromised, total earnings can be substantial.

Information security experts estimate that covert mining with viruses has enabled cybercriminals to amass millions of dollars. Some highly successful campaigns have generated tens of thousands of dollars monthly for their organizers, making miner development and distribution a highly attractive cybercrime for hackers.

How to Detect Miner Infection

Primary Signs of Infection:

1. Reduced performance – the computer slows down noticeably even during basic tasks; the smartphone lags in routine apps that previously worked smoothly
2. Device overheating – the laptop or phone feels hot even under minimal load; computer fans run loudly at high speeds
3. Suspicious programs running – Task Manager displays unfamiliar processes with cryptic names consuming significant resources
4. Consistently high CPU/GPU load – even when idle, CPU or GPU usage remains at 70–100%
5. System lags and delays – apps take much longer to open; videos play with stutters and delays
6. Rapid battery drain – smartphones or laptops heat up and discharge much faster than usual without heavy use
7. Antivirus warnings – antivirus software alerts you to Trojan.Miner or similar threats
8. Increased network traffic or suspicious activity – unexplained network connections appear; internet usage spikes without obvious cause

How to Remove a Miner

Manual Removal from PC

1. Disconnect the device from the internet – this prevents the virus from communicating with attackers’ command servers and stops the transfer of mined cryptocurrency
2. Identify and terminate suspicious processes – open Task Manager (Ctrl+Shift+Esc), review running processes, locate any causing abnormal CPU or GPU load, and end them
3. Locate the miner file – right-click the suspicious process and select “Open file location” to find the executable responsible
4. Delete virus files – remove the miner file and all associated files in the same folder, confirming they are malicious
5. Clean startup entries and scheduled tasks – use Task Manager’s “Startup” tab to disable unknown programs; then check Windows Task Scheduler and remove any suspicious tasks that could restart the miner
6. Restart and check system status – reboot your computer and verify that background CPU and GPU usage has normalized
7. Scan with antivirus software – conduct a comprehensive scan of all drives using reputable antivirus tools

Removing Crypto-Mining Viruses with Free Tools

Dr.Web CureIt! is a specialized malware removal utility that operates without installation and is completely free. Download CureIt! from the official website, close unnecessary apps, and conduct a full scan of all drives. After scanning, click “Neutralize” for every detected threat.

Microsoft Defender is the built-in antivirus for Windows 10 and Windows 11, providing basic protection. Open Windows Security Center, navigate to virus protection, and select a full system scan.

You can also use trusted tools such as Malwarebytes Free, Kaspersky Virus Removal Tool, ESET Online Scanner, and Zemana AntiMalware Free. Each offers unique advantages and may detect threats missed by others.

If the Miner Cannot Be Removed

• Run scans in Windows Safe Mode, where the virus cannot activate
• Try different antivirus utilities, as each uses unique threat databases
• Thoroughly check all startup entries and scheduled tasks
• Seek assistance on specialized antivirus support forums, where experts can help with removal
• Reinstalling your operating system is a last resort, but remains the most reliable way to fully clean the device

How to Protect Your Computer from Hidden Miners

• Install reputable antivirus software and keep it enabled with updated threat databases
• Regularly update your operating system and all installed programs, as updates often patch vulnerabilities
• Avoid downloading software from untrusted sources; use only official developer websites
• Exercise caution with email and links—do not open attachments from unknown senders or click suspicious links
• Use ad and script blockers in your browser (such as uBlock Origin, AdBlock, NoScript) to guard against browser-based mining
• Periodically check Task Manager and monitor device performance, watching for unusual CPU activity

FAQ

What Are Crypto-Mining Viruses (Crypto-jacking Malware) and How Do They Work?

Crypto-mining viruses are malicious programs that exploit your device’s resources to mine cryptocurrency without your permission. They run in the background, performing complex calculations and sending results to cybercriminals’ servers. This slows down your device but does not harm your data.

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

Symptoms include: graphics card overheating and loud fan noise, slower computer performance, CPU usage exceeding 60%, and increased internet traffic. Use antivirus software to scan and remove malware.

How Can I Completely Remove a Crypto-Mining Virus from My Computer? What Are the Specific Steps?

Scan for and remove miners using antivirus software, clean the registry with CCleaner, and restart your computer. Also terminate suspicious processes in Task Manager and check Windows Task Scheduler for malicious entries.

How Do Crypto-Mining Viruses Affect Computer Performance and What Risks Do They Pose?

Crypto-mining viruses significantly degrade performance by occupying 80–100% of CPU resources, increase electricity costs, and create risks of data leaks. They often leave backdoors for attackers to access confidential data and may be used for DDoS attacks or further malware distribution.

How Can I Prevent Crypto-Mining Virus Infection? What Protective Measures Are Available?

Use antivirus software and a firewall, regularly update your system, avoid suspicious sites and files, disable JavaScript in your browser, and check extensions. Install only official software from trusted sources.

Which Antivirus Software Effectively Detects and Removes Miners?

Effective solutions for detecting and removing miners include Malwarebytes, Bitdefender, and Kaspersky. These programs offer robust detection and removal capabilities, specifically optimized for crypto-mining malware.