Cryptomining Malware - Definition, Examples, & Detection - ExtraHop | ExtraHop (2024)

FAQs

What is an example of Cryptomining malware? ›

A fileless crypto malware called PowerGhost is well known for attacking business computers and terminals, incorporating and disseminating undetectably throughout servers and devices.

Crypto malware often refers to a type of malware that aims to mine cryptocurrencies on a victim's computer without detection. The attackers gain computing resources and hence more crypto, while the victims might experience a slower computer and higher electricity bills—with no payoff.

CryptoLocker is one of the most dangerous examples of crypto ransomware, a malicious program that encrypts everything on your device and demands you pay a ransom to have your data back. Coinhive. Coinhive was one of the best-known cryptojackers using JavaScript.

Devices begin to run suspiciously slower than usual since cryptojacking drains its computational resources. Processors or graphics cards get damaged without any apparent reason, or the device is overheating than usual. A high and consistent CPU usage percentage could indicate the presence of a crypto malware.

This leads to possible overheating, and the increased CPU temperature is a good indicator. The infected PC works slower and louder because Bitcoin miner viruses drain computer performance. If you witness the same behavior on your computer, check its CPU temperature.

How to determine if your phone has malware. If you suspect that there's malware on your Android device, download a reputable antivirus from the Google Play app store and run a deep scan. If the antivirus finds anything, it will likely prompt you to quarantine, block, or delete the infected files.

Unusual CPU Usage. One of the most telltale signs of cryptojacking or malware infection is a sudden and unexplained spike in CPU usage. Since crypto mining requires significant computational power, an infected device will often show high CPU usage even when not performing any intensive tasks.

What are the symptoms of crypto miner virus? ›

The only signs they might notice is slower performance, lags in execution, overheating, excessive power consumption, or abnormally high cloud computing bills.

Check for Malware, Viruses, Crypto Miners, and Other Stowaways. Open the Task Manager processes tab and look at the “CPU” column under the Details tab. From here, you can see all running programs sorted by CPU usage.

CPU and GPU usage spikes

Watch out for sudden spikes in your CPU and GPU usage, especially during tasks where this shouldn't be happening. This could indicate some unknown background processes that might be crypto malware. However, crypto malware is generally disguised as a legitimate process, making it hard to detect.

Cryptojacking is a form of malware that hides on your device and steals its computing resources in order to mine for valuable online currencies like Bitcoin.

Coinminer malware primarily targets cryptocurrency mining, so unexpected slowdowns in system performance or unusually high CPU/GPU usage could be signals that your system is infected. Other possible symptoms include: Unexplained slowdowns.

For example, the Romanian hacker group Outlaw compromises Linux servers and Internet of Things (IoT) devices by using default or stolen credentials and exploiting known vulnerabilities to launch DDoS attacks or mine Monero currency.

Crypto malware, also known as cryptojacking, is a type of malware that uses other people's computers to mine cryptocurrency without being detected. That currency can be converted into more traditional money forms like USD. It's usually spread through phishing emails, pop-up ads, fake websites, or applications.

Botnets are often used in DDoS attacks. They can also conduct keylogging and send phishing emails. Mirai is a classic example of a botnet.