MassMiner

MassMiner is a malicious cryptocurrency mining application that cybercriminals use to mine Monero cryptocurrency by misusing the infected devices. This could not only make the system even more vulnerable to other threats than it already is, but also slow down the computer’s performance since the software might use a lot of its resources. Therefore, our researchers recommend removing the malware as soon as you realize it is on your system. If you continue reading our article, we will tell you more about the threat, including how to determine whether it infected your system. Moreover, we will also talk about how to eliminate MassMiner and even place instructions showing how to get rid of it manually at the end of this article. Consequently, if you think you need our help while erasing the malicious application, we would recommend taking a look at the provided instructions.

According to our researchers, the malware looks for vulnerable computers it could infect. It means MassMiner might enter the system if it finds any weaknesses to exploit, for example, weak passwords or outdated software. If you are aware your computer could have the mentioned or any other vulnerabilities, you should eliminate them as soon as possible. To additionally strengthen the system we could suggest installing a reliable antimalware tool. It can guard the system against various threats, help you identify potential threats by scanning suspicious data downloaded from the Internet, and so on. Another thing you should do is avoid visiting file-sharing web pages or other unreliable websites as cybercriminals may use such sources to search for potential victims.

If the malicious application finds a way to enter the computer, it should start with dropping a file called taskmgr.exe used for cryptocurrency mining in the c:\Windows\Temp\Networks directory. Then it should drop files called Networks, dllhost, or similarly in the c:\Windows folder as well as data named vmnat.exe, npf.sys, {random}.bak, or similarly in the %WINDIR%\Temp, %WINDIR%\System32, and %WINDIR%\SysWOW64 locations. Another group of files that should be noticed on the computer if MassMiner is on it is tasks called Flash and Netframework (located in the %WINDIR%\System32 or %WINDIR%\Tasks folders). If you find the listed files or data with similar names in the listed locations, you could suspect the computer is infected with the discussed threat.

Furthermore, without looking for the malware’s data the user might not realize it is on the system as the malicious application can work silently in the background without the user noticing its presence. However, due to its working manner, you could notice the system is working slightly slower as mining cryptocurrencies might use a lot of the device’s resources. MassMiner may not look like a vicious threat that could be extremely dangerous for the system, but leaving it unattended could make some of the computer’s parts worn out faster, while the cybercriminals behind this malicious application would get money from it. This is why we advise deleting the threat as soon as possible.

Users who would like to get rid of MassMiner manually should locate and erase all files created or modified by the malicious application. This task may not be easy and could take some time, but the instructions found below this paragraph might make the process less complicated. What’s more, if following the provided steps appears to be too difficult you could always employ a reliable antimalware tool instead. All there is to do is set the chosen tool to scan the computer and wait until it detects the malware along with other possible threats. Then, you should review the list or just click the provided deletion button, and all of the detections would be removed at once. Users who wish to ask more about MassMiner’s working manner or its deletion could leave us comments at the end of this page too.

Remove MassMiner

1. Tap Ctrl+Alt+Delete.
2. Launch Task Manager.
3. Look for the malware’s process.
4. Select the process and press End Task.
5. Leave the Task Manager.
6. Click Win+E.
7. Find these locations:
   %TEMP%
   %USERPROFILE%\desktop
   %USERPROFILE%\downloads
8. Look for the threat’s installer, then right-click it and press Delete.
9. Go to C:\Windows\Temp\Networks
10. Find a file called taskmgr.exe, right-click it and choose Delete.
11. Navigate to C:\Windows
12. Find a file titled dllhost, right-click it and select Delete.
13. Locate this path %WINDIR%\Temp
14. Find files named vmnat.exe and {random}.king.
15. Right-click them and select Delete.
16. Go to %WINDIR%\System32\drivers
17. Locate a file called npf.sys, right-click it and choose Delete.
18. Find this path %WINDIR%\SysWOW64
19. Look for files named {random}.bak and {random}.exe, right-click them ad click Delete.
20. Then navigate to:
    %WINDIR%\System32\Tasks
    %WINDIR%\Tasks
21. Locate tasks called Flash and Netframework, right-click them and select Delete.
22. Close File Explorer.
23. Press Win+R.
24. Insert Regedit and click OK.
25. Navigate to HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Image File Execution Options
26. Locate keys called:
    powershell.exe
    wscript.exe
    sethc.exe
    magnify.exe
    perfmon.exe
27. Right-click them separately and select Delete to erase the one by one.
28. Close Registry Editor.
29. Empty Recycle Bin.
30. Restart the computer.