How to remove Epsilon miner
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What is Epsilon?
Epsilon software performs browser-based mining to mine cryptocurrency inside the browser. If a web browser is consuming excessive computer resources, it is possible that Epsilon (or a similar app) is installed on the browser or operating system.
Research shows that this particular browser crypto-miner is for sale on hacker forums for USD$50.
The main difference between browser-based mining and file-based cryptocurrency mining is as follows: in the first case, cryptocurrency is mined through an extension installed on a browser; in the second case, it is mined through software that is installed on the operating system. In both cases, the cryptocurrency mining process makes use of the user's computer resources (CPU and/or GPU).
Cryptocurrency is mined by solving mathematical problems and, the more powerful the hardware, the faster it can mine cryptocurrency. Usually, the mining process increases CPU and/or GPU usage and, therefore, computers that are exploited to mine cryptocurrency operate slower or do not respond at all. Therefore, the operating system might crash or stop responding, which can result in loss of unsaved data, unexpected shutdowns, hardware overheating, etc. Computers that mine cryptocurrency consume more electricity, and thus users receive higher electricity bills.
If a cryptocurrency miner has been installed on the browser or operating system without consent, removed it as soon as possible.
| Name | Epsilon browser-based miner |
| Threat Type | Cryptocurrency miner. |
| Detection Names (Epsilon's installer) | Avast (Win32:Trojan-gen), BitDefender (Gen:Variant.MSILHeracles.6785), ESET-NOD32 (MSIL/Agent.UEI), Kaspersky (HEUR:Trojan.MSIL.Agent.gen), Microsoft (Trojan:MSIL/CryptInject!MTB), Full List (VirusTotal) |
| Price | $50 (on hacker forums) |
| Symptoms | Trojans are designed to stealthily infiltrate the victim's computer and remain silent, and thus no particular symptoms are clearly visible on an infected machine. |
| Distribution methods | Infected email attachments, malicious online advertisements, social engineering, software 'cracks'. |
| Damage | Stolen passwords and banking information, identity theft, the victim's computer added to a botnet. |
| Malware Removal (Windows) | To eliminate possible malware infections, scan your computer with legitimate antivirus software. Our security researchers recommend using Combo Cleaner. |
More examples of cryptocurrency miners are Cliptomaner, QuilMiner and KingMiner. There are many legitimate miners, however, even those can be misused by cyber criminals for malicious purposes. Their main purpose is to trick users into installing a miner so that they can generate revenue at their expense (by using hardware of their computers to mine cryptocurrency).
How did Epsilon infiltrate my computer?
It is unknown exactly how cyber criminals distribute Epsilon, however, it is very likely that they promote this miner on a bogus website by disguising it as a legitimate, useful application.
Note that, in some cases, cyber criminals exploit official web pages (e.g., Chrome Store) to distribute their third party software. In other cases, they attempt to trick users into installing JavaScript-based extensions that contain malicious code, which can download even more malware onto the user's computer.
Epsilon might also be distributed via malspam emails (malicious attachments or download links for malicious files), other dubious download sources (Peer-to-Peer networks, third party installers), Trojans, fake software updating or activation tools.
How to avoid installation of malware
Download software and files from official websites and via direct links. It is not safe to use torrent clients, eMule (or other Peer-to-Peer networks), third party downloaders, unofficial websites or other sources of this kind.
Avoid third party installers. Check "Advanced", "Custom" and other settings, and decline offers to download or install unwanted software. Do not click ads that are displayed on dubious websites, since they can open other untrusted websites or even cause unwanted downloads and installations.
Remove any unwanted, suspicious applications (extensions, add-ons, and plug-ins) that are installed on the browser. The same should be applied to programs of this kind that are installed on the operating system.
Regularly scan your computer with reputable antivirus or anti-spyware software and keep this software up to date.
If you believe that your computer is already infected, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate infiltrated malware.
Epsilon installer detected as a threat on Virustotal:
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:
How to remove malware manually?
Manual malware removal is a complicated task - usually it is best to allow antivirus or anti-malware programs to do this automatically.
To remove this malware we recommend using Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows. If you wish to remove malware manually, the first step is to identify the name of the malware that you are trying to remove. Here is an example of a suspicious program running on a user's computer:
If you checked the list of programs running on your computer, for example, using task manager, and identified a program that looks suspicious, you should continue with these steps:
Download a program called Autoruns. This program shows auto-start applications, Registry, and file system locations:
Restart your computer into Safe Mode:
Windows XP and Windows 7 users: Start your computer in Safe Mode. Click Start, click Shut Down, click Restart, click OK. During your computer start process, press the F8 key on your keyboard multiple times until you see the Windows Advanced Option menu, and then select Safe Mode with Networking from the list.
Video showing how to start Windows 7 in "Safe Mode with Networking":
Windows 8 users: Start Windows 8 is Safe Mode with Networking - Go to Windows 8 Start Screen, type Advanced, in the search results select Settings. Click Advanced startup options, in the opened "General PC Settings" window, select Advanced startup.
Click the "Restart now" button. Your computer will now restart into the "Advanced Startup options menu". Click the "Troubleshoot" button, and then click the "Advanced options" button. In the advanced option screen, click "Startup settings". Click the "Restart" button. Your PC will restart into the Startup Settings screen. Press F5 to boot in Safe Mode with Networking.
Video showing how to start Windows 8 in "Safe Mode with Networking":
Windows 10 users: Click the Windows logo and select the Power icon. In the opened menu click "Restart" while holding "Shift" button on your keyboard. In the "choose an option" window click on the "Troubleshoot", next select "Advanced options".
In the advanced options menu select "Startup Settings" and click on the "Restart" button. In the following window you should click the "F5" button on your keyboard. This will restart your operating system in safe mode with networking.
Video showing how to start Windows 10 in "Safe Mode with Networking":
Extract the downloaded archive and run the Autoruns.exe file.
In the Autoruns application, click "Options" at the top and uncheck "Hide Empty Locations" and "Hide Windows Entries" options. After this procedure, click the "Refresh" icon.
Check the list provided by the Autoruns application and locate the malware file that you want to eliminate.
You should write down its full path and name. Note that some malware hides process names under legitimate Windows process names. At this stage, it is very important to avoid removing system files. After you locate the suspicious program you wish to remove, right click your mouse over its name and choose "Delete".
After removing the malware through the Autoruns application (this ensures that the malware will not run automatically on the next system startup), you should search for the malware name on your computer. Be sure to enable hidden files and folders before proceeding. If you find the filename of the malware, be sure to remove it.
Reboot your computer in normal mode. Following these steps should remove any malware from your computer. Note that manual threat removal requires advanced computer skills. If you do not have these skills, leave malware removal to antivirus and anti-malware programs.
These steps might not work with advanced malware infections. As always it is best to prevent infection than try to remove malware later. To keep your computer safe, install the latest operating system updates and use antivirus software.
To be sure your computer is free of malware infections, we recommend scanning it with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows.
Outstanding!
▼ Show Discussion