What is Coinminer malware?
Coinminer malware is a form of crypto-mining malware. that covertly utilizes a victim’s computing resources to mine cryptocurrency, such as Monero or Bitcoin. Also known as cryptojacking malware, it typically operates in the background, consuming processing power. Its threat level varies depending on the scale of the infection, but widespread attacks can cripple business operations.
When was Coinminer first discovered?
Coinminer malware began gaining significant attention in 2017 during the crypto-mining boom. However, its exact origins remain unclear, as it has evolved through numerous strains and widespread variants since its rise.
Who created Coinminer?
The identities of the creators of Coinminer remain unknown. Many campaigns distributing Coinminer are attributed to cybercriminal groups aiming for financial gain through crypto-mining exploitation.
What does Coinminer target?
Coinminer primarily targets endpoint systems, servers, and networked devices with insufficient security protocols. The industries most vulnerable include finance, healthcare, and technology, where system uptime is critical. Geographically, attacks are pervasive, with no specific region exempt from its reach.
Coinminer distribution method
Coinminer malware is typically distributed through phishing emails, malicious attachments, compromised websites, and drive-by downloads. Attackers often pair it with exploit kits or dropper malware to infiltrate systems, especially targeting those with outdated software or unpatched vulnerabilities.
Technical analysis of Coinminer malware
Coinminer malware operates by embedding itself in a system's processes, leveraging resources for crypto-mining tasks. Upon infection, it connects to a mining pool or attacker-controlled server before launching resource-intensive mining operations. Its persistence mechanisms often include registry modifications and scheduled tasks to ensure continued operation after reboots.
Tactics, Techniques & Procedures (TTPs)
Persisting through scheduled tasks (MITRE ATT&CK T1053)
Hiding payloads in legitimate processes (T1105)
Leveraging PowerShell scripts for execution (T1059.001)
Indicators of Compromise (IoCs)
Unusual spikes in CPU/GPU utilization
Known Coinminer IPs and domains within network traffic
Hashes of detected Coinminer variants (e.g., SHA-256, MD5)
How to know if you’re infected with Coinminer?
Systems infected with Coinminer often display significant slowdowns, unusually high CPU/GPU usage, and overheating. Administrators may detect rogue processes using excessive network bandwidth to communicate with mining pools. Power bills may also rise unexpectedly due to prolonged system resource use.
Coinminer removal instructions
Manual removal of Coinminer should begin with isolating the affected system. Use trusted EDR solutions or Huntress remediation tools to scan and eliminate the malware. Check system processes for anomalies, disable persistent scheduled tasks, and look for unauthorized modifications in system registries.
Is Coinminer still active?
Yes, while certain Coinminer variants have been neutralized, newer strains continue to emerge, targeting vulnerable systems globally. Coinminer malware evolves regularly, adapting its techniques to evade detection measures.
Mitigation & prevention strategies
To protect against Coinminer malware, implement strong security practices such as regular patching, multi-factor authentication (MFA), and employee cybersecurity training to identify phishing attempts. Proactively monitoring network activity for anomalies and employing advanced tools such as endpoint Huntress Managed EDR paired with 24/7 monitoring services, is particularly effective in preventing and mitigating Coinminer attacks by detecting IoCs early in the attack lifecycle.
Related educational articles & videos
FAQs
Coinminer is a type of malware that hijacks system resources to mine cryptocurrency, like Monero or Bitcoin, without user permission. It typically operates in the background, draining CPU and GPU power to perform intensive mining computations, slowing down systems.
Coinminer spreads through phishing emails, malicious attachments, compromised websites, and drive-by downloads. Once executed, it exploits vulnerabilities to embed itself in system processes.
Yes, Coinminer malware remains an evolving threat. Cybercriminals continue to release new variants with updated evasion techniques, making proactive detection critical.
Organizations should implement regular software updates, use MFA, train employees on phishing awareness, monitor networks for anomalies, and deploy EDR solutions like Huntress for real-time threat detection and mitigation.
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