Application.BitCoinMiner

Classification

Type :

Application

Aliases :

BitCoinMiner, Application.BitCoinMiner, JS:Application.BitCoinMiner, PotentialRisk.PUA/CryptoMiner

Summary

Application.BitCoinMiner identifies a program that uses the computer's physical resources (memory, processing power, etc) to generate units of a virtual or digital cryptocurrency.

Removal

Based on the settings of your F-Secure security product, it may allow the file to run, block it from running, move it to the quarantine where it cannot spread or cause harm, or ask you to select an action.

If you are aware of the risks involved in using the file and consent to its use, you may change the settings of your F-Secure security product to allow the file to run. You may also change the settings to exclude it from scanning.

Note: You need administrative rights to change the settings.

A False Positive is when a file is incorrectly detected as harmful, usually because its code or behavior resembles known harmful programs. A False Positive will usually be fixed in a subsequent database update without any action needed on your part. If you wish, you may also:

  • Check for the latest database updates

    First check if your F-Secure security program is using the latest updates, then try scanning the file again.

  • Submit a sample

    After checking, if you still believe the file is incorrectly detected, you can submit a sample of it for re-analysis.

    Note: If the file was moved to quarantine, you need to collect the file from quarantine before you can submit it.

  • Exclude a file from further scanning

    If you are certain that the file is safe and want to continue using it, you can exclude it from further scanning by the F-Secure security product.

    Note: You need administrative rights to change the settings.

Technical Details

About cryptocurrency

A cryptocurrency is an anonymous, decentralized form of digital currency, which can be used online as a medium of exchange much like traditional, physical currencies. Multiple cryptocurrencies exist, such as BitCoin, Ethereum and Monero.

The 'crypto' part of the term refers to the use of cryptography both for creating the currency units and for securing transactions made with the units. Because of the anonymity provided by cryptocurrency, its legality and acceptance varies considerably between countries.

About cryptocurrency mining programs

Cryptocurrency units can be created by any user with specialized mining programs or miners that run the mathematical calculations needed to generate a unit of a particular cryptocurrency. Examples of mining programs include Coinhive, Cryptoloot, Electrum, Hashflare and MinerGate, though there are dozens of other similar programs available online.

Because the calculations are complex, many enthusiasts will build computers with specialized hardware and software to handle the work. Some websites also support cloud mining, where users visiting the site essentially allow temporary use of their computer's processing power to perform part of the calculating work, usually in exchange for a service offered by the site.

Some malware include miners as part of their payload; in such cases, the malware is hijacking a user's computer to create cryptocurrency units for the malware author's benefit.