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CoinImp Virus

Also Known As: CoinImp malware
Type: Adware
Damage level: Medium

What is CoinImp?

CoinImp is a crypto mining service similar to Coinhive and Crypto-Loot. This service essentially provides web developers with a JavaScript API that can be applied to any website. The CoinImp script is designed to employ visitors' computers to mine Monero cryptocurrency.

The CoinImp service and idea behind it are legitimate, however, some developers have no bounds and abuse CoinImp to the detriment of users' web browsing experience.

CoinImp scam

Cryptocurrency mining is essentially a process in which a computer solves various mathematical "equations" and, for each solved equation, a reward (fraction of a Monero coin) is provided. Note that an identical "equation" is solved by a number of different computers from around the world simultaneously. Therefore, the "mined" coin is distributed amongst them.

CoinImp is a good service that allows developers to monetize their sites - the script employs visitors' computers to mine. Despite this, some web developers become greedy and start to abuse the system.

CoinImp provides a feature that allows developers to limit the use of visitors' computer resources, however, criminals typically do not use this functionality, since the more powerful the computer used, the larger the reward. JavaScript is a very good choice when using computer CPU resources. Therefore, when all limits are removed, CPU utilization reaches 100%.

The system becomes unusable (it barely responds) and might also crash, resulting in permanent data loss. Furthermore, within certain circumstances (e.g., bad cooling system, high room temperature) a fully loaded CPU can overheat. Therefore, by abusing CoinImp, criminals impose hardware damage.

Regular home computers are not optimized for mining cryptocurrency (the revenue received is lower than the electricity cost). In addition, users stay on sites only for a limited number of minutes. Therefore, criminals attempt to generate as much traffic as possible. They do this in various ways. For example, they hack legitimate websites and stealthily inject them with CoinImp script.

They also develop dozens of malicious sites that also use CoinImp script. In some cases, these sites prevent users from closing browser windows/tabs to make them remain on the sites as long as possible. To promote these sites, developers employ intrusive advertising (specifically, adware-type programs that deliver bogus ads).

Potentially unwanted adware-type programs (PUPs) deliver various intrusive ads (e.g., banners, pop-ups [new browser windows that open certain sites], coupons, and so on). These ads can lead to cryptocurrency-mining websites and sites that contain infectious content. In addition, the ads might run scripts that download/install malware.

Therefore, clicking them risks various computer infections. Note that intrusive ads are often delivered using various tools (e.g., "virtual layers") that enable placement of third party graphical content on any site. These ads are also likely to conceal underlying website content, significantly diminishing the web browsing experience.

In addition, many potentially unwanted programs gather information relating to web browsing activity. IP addresses, website URLs visited, pages viewed, search queries, keystrokes, and other collected data might contain personal details that developers later sell third parties.

These people misuse the data to generate revenue. Therefore, the presence of data-tracking apps can lead to serious privacy issues or even identity theft. You are strongly advised to eliminate them immediately.

Threat Summary:
Name CoinImp malware
Threat Type Adware, Unwanted ads, Pop-up Virus
Symptoms Seeing advertisements not originating from the sites you are browsing. Intrusive pop-up ads. Decreased Internet browsing speed.
Distribution methods Deceptive pop-up ads, free software installers (bundling), fake flash player installers.
Damage Decreased computer performance, browser tracking - privacy issues, possible additional malware infections.
Malware Removal (Windows)

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Research shows that all potentially unwanted programs are very similar. By offering "useful features", PUPs attempt to give the impression of legitimacy and trick users to install.

These programs are designed only to generate revenue for the developers, and thus deliver no real value for regular users. Potentially unwanted programs pose a direct threat to your privacy and Internet browsing safety.

How did potentially unwanted programs install on my computer?

Some PUPs have official download/promotion sites, however, most infiltrate systems without permission, since developers proliferate them using intrusive advertisements and a deceptive marketing method called "bundling" - stealth installation of PUPs with regular apps.

In most cases, "bundled" applications are hidden within "Advanced/Custom" settings or other sections of the download/installation processes - developers do not disclose these installations properly.

Furthermore, many users rush these procedures, skip steps, and click various tempting links/ads, without understanding the possible consequences. In doing so, they expose their systems to risk of various infections and compromise their privacy.

How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications?

To prevent system infiltration by PUPs, be very cautious when browsing the Internet and especially when downloading/installing software. Be aware that criminals invest many resources into intrusive ad design, and thus most seem legitimate. Despite this, these ads redirect to suspicious sites such as gambling, adult dating, and so on.

If you encounter them, immediately eliminate all dubious applications and browser plug-ins. It is also very important to carefully analyze each step of the download/installation processes using the "Custom" or "Advanced" settings. Opt-out of all additionally-included programs and cancel offers to download/install them.

We strongly recommend that you avoid using third party downloaders/installers, since criminals monetize them using the "bundling" method. Applications should be downloaded only from their official websites only, using direct download links. The key to computer safety is caution.

Example of a website that uses CoinImp script:

CoinImp script using website

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Quick menu:

Removal of potentially unwanted programs:

Windows 11 users:

Accessing Apps and Features in Windows 11

Right-click on the Start icon, select Apps and Features. In the opened window search for the application you want to uninstall, after locating it, click on the three vertical dots and select Uninstall.

Windows 10 users:

Accessing Programs and Features (uninstall) in Windows 8

Right-click in the lower left corner of the screen, in the Quick Access Menu select Control Panel. In the opened window choose Programs and Features.

Windows 7 users:

Accessing Programs and Features (uninstall) in Windows 7

Click Start (Windows Logo at the bottom left corner of your desktop), choose Control Panel. Locate Programs and click Uninstall a program.

macOS (OSX) users:

Uninstall app in OSX (Mac)

Click Finder, in the opened screen select Applications. Drag the app from the Applications folder to the Trash (located in your Dock), then right click the Trash icon and select Empty Trash.

CoinImp adware uninstall via Control Panel

In the uninstall programs window, look for any suspicious/recently-installed applications, select these entries and click "Uninstall" or "Remove".

After uninstalling the potentially unwanted program, scan your computer for any remaining unwanted components or possible malware infections. To scan your computer, use recommended malware removal software.

Remove rogue extensions from Internet browsers:

Video showing how to remove potentially unwanted browser add-ons:

Internet Explorer logoRemove malicious add-ons from Internet Explorer:

Removing rogue extensions from Internet Explorer step 1

Click the "gear" icon Internet Explorer options icon (at the top right corner of Internet Explorer), select "Manage Add-ons". Look for any recently-installed suspicious browser extensions, select these entries and click "Remove".

Removing rogue extensions from Internet Explorer step 2

Optional method:

If you continue to have problems with removal of the coinimp malware, reset your Internet Explorer settings to default.

Windows XP users: Click Start, click Run, in the opened window type inetcpl.cpl In the opened window click the Advanced tab, then click Reset.

Resetting Internet Explorer settings to default on Windows XP

Windows Vista and Windows 7 users: Click the Windows logo, in the start search box type inetcpl.cpl and click enter. In the opened window click the Advanced tab, then click Reset.

Resetting Internet Explorer settings to default on Windows 7

Windows 8 users: Open Internet Explorer and click the gear icon. Select Internet Options.

Reseting Internet Explorer settings to default in Windows 8 - accessing

In the opened window, select the Advanced tab.

Resetting Internet Explorer settings to default on Windows 8 - Internet options advanced tab

Click the Reset button.

Resetting Internet Explorer settings to default on Windows 8 - click the Reset button in the Internet options advanced tab

Confirm that you wish to reset Internet Explorer settings to default by clicking the Reset button.

Resetting Internet Explorer settings to default on Windows 8 - confirm settings reset to default by clicking the reset button

Google Chrome logoRemove malicious extensions from Google Chrome:

Removing rogue extensions from Google Chrome step 1

Click the Chrome menu icon Google Chrome menu icon (at the top right corner of Google Chrome), select "More tools" and click "Extensions". Locate all recently-installed suspicious browser add-ons, select these entries and click the trash can icon.

Removing rogue extensions from Google Chrome step 2

Optional method:

If you continue to have problems with removal of the coinimp malware, reset your Google Chrome browser settings. Click the Chrome menu icon Google Chrome menu icon (at the top right corner of Google Chrome) and select Settings. Scroll down to the bottom of the screen. Click the Advanced… link.

Google Chrome settings reset step 1

After scrolling to the bottom of the screen, click the Reset (Restore settings to their original defaults) button.

Google Chrome settings reset step 2

In the opened window, confirm that you wish to reset Google Chrome settings to default by clicking the Reset button.

Google Chrome settings reset step 3

Mozilla Firefox logoRemove malicious plug-ins from Mozilla Firefox:

Removing rogue extensions from Mozilla Firefox step 1

Click the Firefox menu firefox menu icon (at the top right corner of the main window), select "Add-ons". Click on "Extensions", in the opened window, remove all recently-installed suspicious browser plug-ins.

Removing rogue extensions from Mozilla Firefox step 2

Optional method:

Computer users who have problems with coinimp malware removal can reset their Mozilla Firefox settings.

Open Mozilla Firefox, at the top right corner of the main window, click the Firefox menu, firefox menu icon in the opened menu, click Help.

Accessing settings (Reset Firefox to default settings step 1)

Select Troubleshooting Information.

Accessing Troubleshooting Information (Reset Firefox to default settings step 2)

In the opened window, click the Refresh Firefox button.

Clicking on Refresh Firefox button (Reset Firefox to default settings step 3)

In the opened window, confirm that you wish to reset Mozilla Firefox settings to default by clicking the Refresh Firefox button.

Confirm your want to reset Firefox settings to default (Reset Firefox to default settings step 4)

safari browser logoRemove malicious extensions from Safari:

removing adware from safari step 1 - accessing preferences

Make sure your Safari browser is active, click Safari menu, and select Preferences....

removing adware from safari step 2 - removing extensions

In the opened window click Extensions, locate any recently installed suspicious extension, select it and click Uninstall.

Optional method:

Make sure your Safari browser is active and click on Safari menu. From the drop down menu select Clear History and Website Data...

resetting safari step 1

In the opened window select all history and click the Clear History button.

resetting safari step 2

Microsoft Edge (Chromium) logoRemove malicious extensions from Microsoft Edge:

Removing adware from Microsoft Edge step 1

Click the Edge menu icon Microsoft Edge (chromium) menu icon (at the upper-right corner of Microsoft Edge), select "Extensions". Locate all recently-installed suspicious browser add-ons and click "Remove" below their names.

Removing adware from Microsoft Edge step 2

Optional method:

If you continue to have problems with removal of the coinimp malware, reset your Microsoft Edge browser settings. Click the Edge menu icon Microsoft Edge (chromium) menu icon (at the top right corner of Microsoft Edge) and select Settings.

Microsoft Edge (Chromium) reset step 1

In the opened settings menu select Reset settings.

Microsoft Edge (Chromium) reset step 2

Select Restore settings to their default values. In the opened window, confirm that you wish to reset Microsoft Edge settings to default by clicking the Reset button.

Microsoft Edge (Chromium) reset step 3

  • If this did not help, follow these alternative instructions explaining how to reset the Microsoft Edge browser.

Summary:

declining installation of adware while downloading free software sampleCommonly, adware or potentially unwanted applications infiltrate Internet browsers through free software downloads. Note that the safest source for downloading free software is via developers' websites only. To avoid installation of adware, be very attentive when downloading and installing free software. When installing previously-downloaded free programs, choose the custom or advanced installation options – this step will reveal any potentially unwanted applications listed for installation together with your chosen free program.

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About the author:

Tomas Meskauskas

Tomas Meskauskas - expert security researcher, professional malware analyst.

I am passionate about computer security and technology. I have an experience of over 10 years working in various companies related to computer technical issue solving and Internet security. I have been working as an author and editor for pcrisk.com since 2010. Follow me on Twitter and LinkedIn to stay informed about the latest online security threats. Contact Tomas Meskauskas.

PCrisk security portal is brought by a company RCS LT. Joined forces of security researchers help educate computer users about the latest online security threats. More information about the company RCS LT.

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Software uninstall instructions
Malware activity

Global malware activity level today:

Medium threat activity

Increased attack rate of infections detected within the last 24 hours.

QR Code
CoinImp malware QR code
Scan this QR code to have an easy access removal guide of CoinImp malware on your mobile device.
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