How to remove XMR Miner from the operating system
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What is XMR Miner?
XMR Miner is a rogue application designed to misuse system resources in order to mine Monero cryptocurrency. Developers proliferate this app using various malicious websites (RIG Exploit Kit). Therefore, XMR Miner often infiltrates systems without users' consent.
Research shows that many users visit these sites inadvertently - they are redirected by unwanted programs and intrusive ads delivered by other rogue sites. As well as causing redirects, rogue apps are likely to gather sensitive information and deliver intrusive advertisements.
More about cryptocurrency mining and XMR Miner
The last few years have been very successful for cryptocurrency owners - the prices have increased dramatically. This has attracted the attention of cyber criminals. Mining cryptocurrencies is rather complicated. Cryptomining is essentially a process by which computers solve various mathematical equations.
For each equation solved, a fraction of a coin (in this case, Monero) is given as a reward. The more powerful the hardware you have, the more revenue you generate (using low-end hardware is not viable - electricity bills are higher than revenue received). Therefore, the mining process is very costly.
Therefore, to avoid this problem, cyber criminals started releasing malicious applications, such as XMR Miner. These viruses stealthily infiltrate regular computers and employ the hardware to mine cryptocurrency. This is performed without consent and users receive nothing in return. Furthermore, the presence of this malware can cause a number of problems.
Firstly, it uses many hardware and software resources, thereby making the system unusable and unstable. The response time drops significantly and computers are likely to freeze/restart.
This can lead to permanent data loss (unsaved documents, etc.) In addition, hardware running at its fullest capacity generates excessive heat, and within certain circumstances (bad cooling systems, high room temperatures, etc.), mining cryptocurrency can damage computer components - they simply overheat. Therefore, malware such as XMR Miner must be eliminated immediately.
More about rogue apps
As mentioned above, potentially unwanted programs deliver intrusive ads, including coupons, banners, pop-ups, etc. These advertisements are displayed using tools that enable placement of third party graphical content on any site. Therefore, they often conceal underlying content, thereby significantly diminishing the browsing experience.
Furthermore, intrusive ads can lead to malicious websites and even execute scripts that stealthily download and install malware. Even a single click can result in high-risk computer infections, such as XMR Miner. PUPs are also notorious for data tracking. Most record information such as keystrokes, website URLs visited, pages viewed, search queries, and so on.
This information often includes personal details that developers share with third parties. These people (potentially, cyber criminals) misuse private information to generate revenue. Therefore, data tracking might lead to serious privacy issues or even identity theft. We strongly recommend that you eliminate all potentially unwanted programs immediately.
| Name | XMR Miner malware |
| Threat Type | Crypto-minin malware |
| Detection Names (browser_assistant.exe) | SecureAge (Malicious), Trellix (Generic.mg.a9e09703d13de2fd), Full List (VirusTotal) |
| Malicious Process Name(s) | C213.tmp (its name may vary) |
| Symptoms | Significant decrease in computer performance, unexpected system crashes, higher electricity bills. |
| Distribution methods | Fake MSI Afterburner sites, RIG Exploit Kit, malicious websites, SmokeLoader |
| Damage | Higher electricity bills, loss of unsaved data. |
| Malware Removal (Windows) | To eliminate possible malware infections, scan your computer with legitimate antivirus software. Our security researchers recommend using Combo Cleaner. |
Examples of crypto-mining malware
There are many viruses that share similarities with XMR Miner. For example, COINMINER, IdleBuddy, JSMiner-C, etc. Although they are developed by different cyber criminals, all have identical behavior - they employ victims' computers to stealthily mine cryptocurrencies. Potentially unwanted programs are all very similar.
By offering various "useful features", these programs attempt to give the impression of legitimacy, however, their only purpose is to generate revenue for the developers. Rather than enabling the functionality promised, PUPs cause unwanted redirects, gather sensitive information, and deliver intrusive ads.
How did XMR Miner install on my computer?
As mentioned above, XMR Miner infiltrates systems without consent, since developers proliferate this malware using RIG Exploit Kit (RIG EK). Once a malicious website is opened, a chain infection begins. These sites contain an iframe, which causes a redirect to another site. Eventually RIG EK is executed.
It then loads a so-called "payloader" called Smoke Loader, which downloads/installs XMR Miner malware onto the victim's computer. Note that the main reasons for computer infections of this nature are poor knowledge and careless behavior.
It is also known that threat actors are using fake Fake MSI Afterburner sites to trick users into downloading crypto-mining malware (including XMR Miner).
How to avoid installation of unwanted applications?
To prevent this situation, be very cautious when browsing the Internet and downloading/installing software. Make sure that you visit legitimate websites only. Rogue sites often use URLs that contain scrambled text (e.g., "ngay23ne.cf") - an indication that the site is potentially malicious.
In addition, intrusive advertisements typically seem legitimate, but once clicked, redirect to dubious websites (typically pornography, gambling, adult dating, survey, and similar). As mentioned above, these ads are often delivered by adware-type software. Therefore, if you experience suspicious redirects, immediately eliminate all dubious applications and browser plug-ins.
Furthermore, select "Custom/Advanced" settings and closely analyze each step of the download/installation processes. Opt-out of all additionally-included programs and decline offers to download/install them. We strongly recommend that you avoid using third party download/installation tools, since developers often monetize them by promoting rogue apps.
Software should be downloaded from official sources only, using direct download links. Having a reputable anti-virus/anti-spyware suite installed and running is also paramount. Emails containing links or files should be carefully examined - they can be used to deliver malware.
Example of XMR Miner process within the system Task Manager:
CPU usage during the cryptomining process:
Update 23 November 2022 - cybercriminals have been observed using fake MSI Afterburner websites to trick users into downloading crypto-mining malware. Those pages host legitimate MSI Afterburner installers containing a cryptocurrency miner. It is known that trojanized installers used to distribute XMR Miner also contain RedLine stealer.
Screenshot of a fake MSI Afterburner site designed to download crypto-mining malware:
Instant automatic malware removal:
Manual threat removal might be a lengthy and complicated process that requires advanced IT skills. Combo Cleaner is a professional automatic malware removal tool that is recommended to get rid of malware. Download it by clicking the button below:
▼ DOWNLOAD Combo Cleaner
By downloading any software listed on this website you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. To use full-featured product, you have to purchase a license for Combo Cleaner. 7 days free trial available. Combo Cleaner is owned and operated by Rcs Lt, the parent company of PCRisk.com read more.
Quick menu:
- What is XMR Miner?
- STEP 1. Uninstall deceptive applications using Control Panel.
- STEP 2. Remove adware from Internet Explorer.
- STEP 3. Remove rogue extensions from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove potentially unwanted plug-ins from Mozilla Firefox.
- STEP 5. Remove rogue extensions from Safari.
- STEP 6. Remove rogue plug-ins from Microsoft Edge.
Removal of potentially unwanted programs:
Windows 11 users:
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:
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:
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:
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.
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:
Remove malicious add-ons from Internet Explorer:
Click the "gear" 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".
Optional method:
If you continue to have problems with removal of the xmr miner 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.
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.
Windows 8 users: Open Internet Explorer and click the gear icon. Select Internet Options.
In the opened window, select the Advanced tab.
Click the Reset button.
Confirm that you wish to reset Internet Explorer settings to default by clicking the Reset button.
Remove malicious extensions from Google Chrome:
Click the 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 and remove them.
Optional method:
If you continue to have problems with removal of the xmr miner malware, reset your Google Chrome browser settings. Click the 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.
After scrolling to the bottom of the screen, click the Reset (Restore settings to their original defaults) button.
In the opened window, confirm that you wish to reset Google Chrome settings to default by clicking the Reset button.
Remove malicious plug-ins from Mozilla Firefox:
Click the Firefox menu 
(at the top right corner of the main window), select "Add-ons". Click "Extensions", in the opened window, remove all recently-installed suspicious browser plug-ins.
Optional method:
Computer users who have problems with xmr miner malware removal can reset their Mozilla Firefox settings.
Open Mozilla Firefox, at the top right corner of the main window, click the Firefox menu, in the opened menu, click Help.
Select Troubleshooting Information.
In the opened window, click the Refresh Firefox button.
In the opened window, confirm that you wish to reset Mozilla Firefox settings to default by clicking the Refresh Firefox button.
Remove malicious extensions from Safari:
Make sure your Safari browser is active, click Safari menu, and select Preferences....
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...
In the opened window select all history and click the Clear History button.
Remove malicious extensions from Microsoft Edge:
Click the Edge 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.
Optional method:
If you continue to have problems with removal of the xmr miner malware, reset your Microsoft Edge browser settings. Click the Edge menu icon (at the top right corner of Microsoft Edge) and select Settings.
In the opened settings menu select Reset settings.
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.
- If this did not help, follow these alternative instructions explaining how to reset the Microsoft Edge browser.
Summary:
Commonly, 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.
Post a comment:
If you have additional information on xmr miner malware or it's removal please share your knowledge in the comments section below.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
My computer is infected with XMR Miner malware, should I format my storage device to get rid of it?
No, this crypto-mining malware can be removed with antivirus software or by following the steps provided in our removal guide.
What are the biggest issues that malware can cause?
Monetary and data loss, identity theft, loss of online accounts, additional infections, slow computer performance, etc.
What is the purpose of XMR Miner malware?
It uses computer hardware to mine cryptocurrency. Crooks use it to mine cryptocurrency at the victim's expense.
How did XMR Miner malware infiltrate my computer?
The XMR Miner is distributed via fake MSI Afterburner websites designed to download legitimate installers containing crypto-mining malware. Also, this miner is distributed using RIG Exploit Kit that loads SmokeLoader, which injects the XMR Miner. Emails, untrustworhty sources for downloading software, malicious installers for pirated software, and similar channels can be used to distribute malware too.
Will Combo Cleaner protect me from malware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner will remove malware from the operating system. It can detect almost all known malware. When computers are infected with high-end malware, they must be scanned using a full scan.
Outstanding!
▼ Show Discussion