How to detect a hidden miner on your device: A detailed guide

With the rise in popularity of cryptocurrencies, a new threat has emerged for computer users - hidden miners. These malware programs stealthily use the resources of your device to mine cryptocurrency for the benefit of attackers. In this article, we will discuss how to recognize the presence of a hidden miner, methods for detecting it, and ways to protect against this threat.

What is a hidden miner?

A hidden miner is malware that is secretly installed on a user's device and uses its computing power to mine cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin, Monero, or Ethereum. Unlike legal mining, which is initiated voluntarily by the user, a hidden miner operates without the knowledge of the device owner, generating profits for cybercriminals.

How does a hidden miner function?

1. Intrusion: malware enters the device through infected files, malicious links, or vulnerabilities in the software.

2. Hidden execution: runs in the background, disguising itself as system processes.

3. Mining: uses the device's resources to solve cryptographic problems and sends the results to the attacker.

Essentially, a hidden miner is a parasite that drains your device's resources and decreases its performance.

Signs of a Hidden Miner

How to determine if a hidden miner may be installed on your device? Pay attention to the following symptoms:

1. Decrease in performance:

   • The device works slower, even when performing simple tasks.
   • Programs launch with a delay, the system “freezes”.

2. Increased load on the CPU or GPU:

   • Even in standby mode, CPU or GPU loading reaches 70-100%.

3. Device Overheating:

   • The fans are running at maximum speed, the device is getting very hot.

4. Increase in electricity consumption:

   • Unexpected rise in electricity bills.

5. Unusual processes:

   • Unknown programs with high resource consumption appear in the task manager.

6. Changes in Browser Functionality:

   • The emergence of new extensions or spontaneous opening of tabs.

These signs may indicate the need to check the system for hidden miners.

Step-by-step process of detecting hidden miners

To detect a hidden miner on your device, follow these steps:

Step 1: System load analysis

The first step in checking the device for hidden miners is analyzing active processes.

Procedure:

1. Open Task Manager ( for Windows) or Activity Monitor ( for Mac).
2. Go to the “Processes” or “CPU” tab.
3. Look for suspicious processes that:
   • Consume significant resources (30-100% CPU/GPU).
   • Have non-standard names ( such as “sysupdate.exe”, “miner64” ).

The presence of unusual processes with high resource consumption may indicate the presence of a hidden miner.

Step 2: Using antivirus software

Antivirus programs are a reliable way to detect hidden miners.

Recommended antiviruses:

• Kaspersky: effective in detecting cryptojacking.
• Malwarebytes: specializes in detecting hidden threats.
• Bitdefender: a lightweight and fast antivirus.

Proсess of verification:

1. Install and update the antivirus program.
2. Run a full system scan.
3. Check the quarantine for detected threats (, for example, “Trojan.CoinMiner”).

Upon detecting malware, remove it and restart the device.

Step 3: Check Autoload

Many hidden miners start automatically when the device is turned on.

How to check autoload:

1. For Windows:

   • Press Win + R, type “msconfig”.
   • Go to the “Startup” tab.
   • Disable suspicious programs.

2. For Mac:

   • Open “System Preferences” → “Users & Groups” → “Login Items”.
   • Remove unknown elements.

This will help identify hidden miners that activate upon system startup.

Step 4: Browser Analysis

Browser mining is a common method of introducing malware.

Necessary actions:

1. Check the browser extensions:

   • Remove unknown plugins.

2. Clear the cache and cookies:

   • This can remove scripts that run mining.

3. Install blockers:

   • Use AdBlock or MinerBlock for protection.

If the browser strains the system even on simple sites, it may indicate the presence of hidden malware.

Step 5: Applying specialized tools

For experienced users, there are programs that help detect hidden miners:

• Process Explorer: detailed analysis of processes (Windows).
• Resource Monitor: real-time load tracking.
• Wireshark: network traffic analysis ( miners often send data to remote servers ).

Using Process Explorer:

1. Download the program from the official Microsoft website.
2. Start and find processes with high resource consumption.
3. Use the “Check Online” feature to analyze suspicious processes.

Additional methods for detecting hidden miners

If the basic checks did not yield results, try the following methods:

Analysis of network activity

Hidden miners usually send data to the attackers' servers.

Proсess of verification:

1. Open the command prompt (Win + R → “cmd”).
2. Enter the command “netstat -ano” and look for suspicious connections.
3. Match the PID with the processes in Task Manager.

Temperature Monitoring

Use programs like HWMonitor or MSI Afterburner to monitor CPU and GPU temperatures. Abnormally high temperatures while idle may indicate the presence of hidden malware.

How to protect yourself from hidden miners?

Prevention is the best way to combat hidden miners. Follow these recommendations:

• Install a reliable antivirus and update it regularly.
• Avoid downloading files from unverified sources.
• Use a VPN to protect against malware sites.
• Regularly update your operating system and software.
• Disable JavaScript in your browser on suspicious sites.

Conclusion

Hidden miners pose a serious threat to users of computers and mobile devices. By knowing the signs of their presence and methods of detection, you can protect your device and personal data. Regularly conduct system checks, use antivirus software, and specialized tools for timely detection of the problem. Upon discovering signs of a hidden miner, do not postpone the check. By following our recommendations, you will not only be able to detect and remove malware but also prevent its appearance in the future. Take care of your device and stay safe!