Application.JS.CoinHive

Classification

Type :

Application

Aliases :

Application.JS.CoinHive.[variant], Application.JS.CoinHive.1.Gen

Summary

Application.JS.CoinHive 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 block the file from running, move it to the quarantine where it cannot spread or cause harm, or ask you to select an action.

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

The CoinHive application is a mining program (or miner) that run the mathematical calculations needed to generate units of the Monero cryptocurrency.

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

Mining programs are used to perform the calculations that are used to generate cryptocurrency units. Because the calculations are complex, many enthusiasts will build computers with specialized hardware and software to handle the work.

Some websites 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.

In a malicious context, 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.