Is your computer being mined? The complete guide to identifying hidden threats

The surge in cryptocurrency has brought a new online threat—mining viruses are quietly invading millions of computers worldwide. If you’ve recently noticed your device running slower or suspect that “your device is being mined,” this guide can help you uncover the truth.

Is your computer sending warning signals? First, check these symptoms

Many people ask: “How do I know if I’ve been mined?” Actually, your computer will show some obvious signs.

Significant performance decline is the most common indicator. Even opening a single browser tab can cause noticeable lag. Programs start slowly, frustratingly, and even moving the mouse can have delays.

Unusual fan noise is another warning sign. Your laptop or desktop may emit high-pitched noises continuously, and the device may become hot to the touch. This indicates that the CPU or GPU is performing intensive calculations—likely mining cryptocurrency for hackers.

Surge in power consumption is also worth noting. If you notice your electricity bill suddenly increases without changes in usage habits, it could imply that your device is being mined. Another detail is strange extensions appearing in your browser or tabs opening automatically with unfamiliar pages.

What is mining malware, and how does it work?

Before further diagnosis, it’s essential to understand the nature of this threat. Mining malware is a type of malicious software that installs on your computer without your knowledge, then exploits your hardware resources (CPU and GPU) to perform mathematical calculations for cryptocurrencies.

Unlike legitimate mining conducted by users, these programs are called “cryptojacking”—your computer’s computing power is stolen, and all profits flow into the attacker’s pocket.

Infection routes typically include four methods: pirated software and cracking tools, malicious links in phishing emails, vulnerabilities in the operating system, and infected websites. Some advanced viruses can even infiltrate through browser vulnerabilities.

Step-by-step detection: uncover the hidden miners on your computer

Step 1: Monitor system resources

Opening the Task Manager is the most direct way to check. Windows users press Ctrl + Shift + Esc; Mac users open Activity Monitor. Look for anomalies in the processes tab:

Any unfamiliar programs consuming over 30% CPU or GPU resources should be suspicious. Pay special attention to names that look like system processes but seem off—such as “sysupdate.exe,” “miner64,” or other strange English combinations. These are often disguised mining programs.

Step 2: Use antivirus software for deep scanning

Antivirus tools are the most effective weapons against hidden threats. Kaspersky performs well in detecting cryptojacking, Malwarebytes specializes in hiding threats, and Bitdefender is known for being lightweight and fast.

Install and update your antivirus software, then run a full system scan. If threats like “Trojan.CoinMiner” are found, delete immediately and restart your computer. Any items detected in quarantine should be thoroughly removed.

Step 3: Check startup items

Many mining viruses activate automatically at startup. To identify these “auto-start troublemakers”:

Windows users: press Win + R, type “msconfig,” go to the Startup tab, and disable any unrecognized programs.

Mac users: go to System Preferences → Users & Groups → Login Items, and remove unfamiliar applications.

This step often reveals the root cause of mining infection—many viruses rely on auto-start to persist.

Step 4: Inspect browser extensions

Browser mining is a common infection vector. Check your browser extensions: in Chrome, go to Settings → Extensions; in Firefox, go to Add-ons. Remove any unfamiliar plugins.

Clear browser cache and cookies. Installing blockers like MinerBlock or AdBlock can prevent future infections. If you notice your browser consuming excessive resources even on simple websites, it’s a sign of mining malware.

Step 5: Advanced diagnostic tools

For tech enthusiasts, more powerful tools are available. Process Explorer can analyze each process in detail; Resource Monitor provides real-time system load; Wireshark inspects network traffic (attackers often communicate with remote servers).

Using command prompt to check network connections is also effective: open cmd, type “netstat -ano,” and look for connections to unfamiliar IP addresses, matching PIDs with processes in Task Manager.

Step 6: Monitor hardware temperatures

Download HWMonitor or MSI Afterburner to track CPU and GPU temperatures. If temperatures are abnormally high at idle, it strongly suggests your computer is being mined.

What to do after confirming infection?

Once you’re sure your device is mined, act immediately:

Terminate processes: find suspicious processes in Task Manager and end them.

Locate and delete files: right-click the process to see its file location, then delete manually or use antivirus to clean.

Clean residual files: use CCleaner to remove temporary files and registry entries left by the virus.

In extreme cases: if the virus has deeply infected your system, reinstalling the operating system is the most thorough solution.

Prevention is better than removal

To prevent the nightmare of being mined again, take these precautions:

• Use reputable antivirus software and keep it updated regularly
• Download software only from official sources
• Regularly update your OS and applications
• Disable JavaScript on suspicious websites
• Use a VPN to protect your network connection
• Be cautious with unfamiliar emails and links

Summary

Mining viruses are silent resource thieves—they stealthily consume your device’s performance and power without your awareness. By mastering these detection techniques—from monitoring Task Manager to using antivirus software, checking startup items, and analyzing network traffic—you can identify threats early. If you suspect your device is being mined, don’t delay taking action. Follow the steps in this guide to find and remove these unwelcome guests, and prevent future infections. Protecting your computer is protecting yourself.