Definition of crypto-jacking: a complete guide to detecting hidden miners on your PC

The cryptocurrency industry attracts not only legitimate investors and miners — it also motivates cybercriminals to create malicious programs for illegal use of others’ computing resources. Hidden malware running on your computer and generating income for hackers has become a serious problem. But how do you know if your system is infected? How to find a miner on your PC and remove it? This article will reveal all aspects of the problem.

Miner-virus: what it is and how it differs from legitimate software

A cryptographic miner is essentially software for blockchain computation. But when it is installed without your consent and operates in stealth mode, turning into a source of income for malicious actors, it is better called cryptojacking.

The difference between malicious agents and regular software lies in three points:

Installation without user approval — infiltration through vulnerabilities, infected archives, or malicious scripts in the browser.

Masking as system components — background startup, hiding in OS processes.

Targeted resource usage — maximizing CPU and GPU load to solve cryptographic tasks, sending results to digital criminals’ servers.

Miner viruses attack systems to infect Bitcoin, Monero, Ethereum, and other digital assets. Their main weapon is invisibility.

Symptoms of an infected computer

Before finding a miner on your PC, it’s important to recognize primary signs. An infected computer shows clear signals:

Performance parameters drop drastically — even basic operations take abnormally long, the system often “hangs,” applications load slower than usual.

Resource load skyrockets — in idle mode, the CPU or GPU runs at 70-100%, even when no active processes are present. Task Manager shows disproportionate consumption.

Heat emission increases — fans run at full capacity, the laptop becomes hot even with applications closed.

Electricity bills rise — unexpected increase in power consumption may indicate background computing.

Unknown processes appear in the active list — names like “sysupdate.exe” or mnemonic codes you don’t recognize.

Browser behaves strangely — tabs open automatically, mysterious extensions appear, even on lightweight sites, the browser feels under strain.

Method 1: Visual diagnostics via Task Manager

How can a beginner find a miner on a PC? The first tool is already built into your OS.

Windows:

• Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager quickly.
• Go to the “Processes” tab and sort by CPU usage.
• Processes consuming 30-100% with no activity require attention.
• Right-click → “Open file location” to identify the installation path.

macOS:

• Open “Activity Monitor” via Spotlight.
• Sort by CPU and look for unknown processes.
• High core load with applications closed is a cause for concern.

Visual diagnostics are the first step but do not guarantee a complete result.

Method 2: Antivirus scanning as a proven protection

Specialized security solutions have malware databases and can identify hidden threats more effectively than manual checks.

Recommended programs for detecting cryptojacking:

Kaspersky — known for accurate detection of miner-viruses and cyber threats, has cloud engines for analyzing suspicious software.

Malwarebytes — specializes in rare and hidden malware, including cryptographic malware.

Bitdefender — lightweight antivirus that doesn’t overload the system, with active detection of background processes.

Checking procedure:

1. Install the chosen antivirus and update its databases.
2. Run a full system scan (may take hours).
3. Check the quarantine log for entries like “Trojan.CoinMiner.”
4. If threats are found, activate removal and reboot.

Method 3: Autostart analysis

Most miner programs embed into autoload to activate constantly.

How to find a miner on your PC via the startup section:

Windows:

• Win + R → type “msconfig” → go to “Startup.”
• Disable programs you did not intentionally install.
• Alternative: Ctrl + Shift + Esc → “Startup” tab in newer versions.

macOS:

• “System Preferences” → “Users & Groups” → “Login Items.”
• Remove unknown applications from the list.

Monitoring autostart helps prevent malware activation at startup.

Method 4: Browser and extension audit

Web mining is one of the most popular infection vectors. Infected scripts are embedded via extensions or hidden cache elements.

Chrome:

• Open menu → “Extensions.”
• Check each add-on — remove unfamiliar plugins.
• Clear cache: “Settings” → “Privacy & Security” → “Clear browsing data.”

Firefox:

• “Add-ons and Themes” → review active extensions.
• Remove suspicious items.
• Clearing browsing history helps eliminate embedded scripts.

Additional protection:

• Install MinerBlock or AdBlock to filter cryptographic scripts.
• Disable JavaScript on untrusted sites.

Method 5: In-depth diagnostics with specialized utilities

Advanced users can utilize detailed analysis tools:

Process Explorer (Windows, Microsoft):

• Download from official site.
• Run and find processes with abnormal load.
• Right-click → “Check VirusTotal” for online verification.

Resource Monitor (built into Windows):

• Monitors network activity, CPU, and memory in real time.
• Correlate load spikes with specific processes.

Wireshark (network analyzer):

• Tracks incoming and outgoing packets.
• Miners often transmit data to servers — suspicious connections will be visible.

HWMonitor and MSI Afterburner (temperature monitoring):

• Check if CPU/GPU are running at maximum in idle mode.
• Abnormal temperatures indicate computational activity.

Method 6: Network connection tracing

Miners send computed data to cybercriminal servers. Network activity reveals their presence.

Analysis command:

• Win + R → “cmd” → type “netstat -ano.”
• Identify unknown IP addresses and connections.
• Match PID with processes in Task Manager.
• If a process constantly transmits data to strange addresses, it’s a red flag.

Where malware comes from and how it infiltrates

Understanding infection channels helps avoid the problem.

Main vectors of infection:

Downloaded software — pirated versions, cracks, mods for games often contain malware.

Phishing emails — messages with malicious links sent as official correspondence.

System vulnerabilities — outdated OS and applications with known exploits.

Infected websites — visiting compromised sites activates hidden scripts.

Steps to remove cryptojacking

If you detect infection, act systematically:

Stop the process:

• Open Task Manager.
• Find the process and click “End Task.”

Delete the file:

• Identify its location (via process properties).
• Remove manually or instruct antivirus to delete.

System cleanup:

• Use CCleaner to remove residual data and registry entries.

Reinstallation as a last resort: (if deeply embedded):

• If the miner is deeply rooted and other methods failed, reinstall the OS.

Prevention and long-term protection strategy

Prevention is better than cure.

Basic security principles:

• Install reliable antivirus software and keep it updated.
• Do not download files from unverified sources.
• Use VPNs to mask traffic on open networks.
• Update OS and all programs regularly.
• Disable JavaScript on suspicious sites.
• Check browser extensions — remove unknown plugins.

Final thoughts

How to find a miner on your PC is a question that requires a comprehensive approach. Malicious software works unnoticed, gradually draining your device’s resources and accelerating wear. By knowing the signs of infection, methods of checking, and diagnostic tools, you can protect your system proactively. Use built-in OS utilities, professional antivirus, and specialized analysis programs to identify issues. If you suspect infection — do not delay the check. Timely action will prevent serious damage and safeguard your data. Following this guide’s recommendations, you will not only find and eliminate malware but also create a multi-layered defense against future attacks.