What is HostStore.exe? Should I remove it?

HostStore.exe is a malicious file which slows down users’ PCs while trying to mine cryptocurrencies

HostStore.exe is an executable file of a trojan horse.[1] The primary purpose of this file is to perform various changes in computer system files and mine cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, Monero, Ethereum and many others for cybercriminals. Additionally, cryptocurrency stored on infected PC might be at risk of being stolen by attackers.

The presence of this malicious file might not be noticed straight away as the only definite way to spot it is by checking if it is embedded in your task manager. If you see it lurking there – it is not a file of a legitimate program. Therefore, make sure you remove HostStore.exe virus ASAP.

Such perilous treats like HostStore.exe are hard to spot because they make a series of changes to the system and barely expose any signs or symptoms of the infection. In some cases, the system might end up extremely compromised before a dangerous virus is spotted.

However, some viruses of this kind might expose their presence if the victim is aware of normal computer operation. The following signs might be present:

  • Legitimate programs might malfunction or become non-responsive;
  • Windows or other OS might crash or reboot on its own;
  • Several advertisements might be injected into users’ browsers;
  • Simple tasks might take a long time to perform, such as OS boot-up, app launch and similar.

However, the most prominent sign of the HostStore.exe infection is CPU (Central Processing Unit) and GPU (Graphics Processing Unit) slowdown. As the HostStore.exe mines cryptocurrency, it uses a significant amount of resources, significantly reducing system performance. Therefore, it becomes impossible to perform tasks which heavily rely on GPU, such as online gaming or video processing.

If you ignore these symptoms long enough, it might be too late to save your computer and its files. Trojan horses render machines vulnerable to other malware attacks. Hence, victims computers might end up being compromised by ransomware, which encrypts data and demands the ransom to be paid for its release.

Additionally, HostStore.exe might compromise your personal information as you enter it into your browser. It can potentially read every keystroke you make, and steal your credentials or bank account information. This data can be used for illicit purposes, such as identity theft.[2]

There is no doubt that swift HostStore.exe removal is mandatory for safe and fast computer operation. As this malicious file is attached to registers within the system, you should use a robust security tool (such as FortectIntego, SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner or Malwarebytes) to eliminate it.

Distribution method of malicious files

Security experts from losvirus.es[3] concluded that the easiest way to infect your PC with HostStore.exe is by carelessly opening spam emails. If you do not pay attention to messages directed to you, open every single one of them (including attachments), you are highly likely to contaminate your PC.

HostStore.exe can intrude your social network accounts and start sending out malicious messages or emails to other potential victims. Your associates might not even suspect that these dangerous files are the result of malware infection on your PC, open files and extract malware on their PCs. Thus, the malware infection spreads even further.

Additionally, questionable websites might install malware even without your knowledge. The following domains should be avoided: peer-to-peer networks, porn, gambling, online dating, free online gaming sites, etc.

Eliminate HostStore.exe and save your computer from inevitable demise

As we already mentioned it is not always easy to notice the presence of a trojan horse. And the longer its existence is ignored, the more damage is caused to the computer. Therefore, you should remove HostStore.exe immediately.

We do not recommend attempting manual HostStore.exe removal as the virus is extremely complicated. Therefore, you should employ a reputable anti-virus program, such as FortectIntego or Malwarebytes and perform a full system scan. Remember that this malicious file might prevent the startup of security software. In case that happens, reboot your PC and start it up in Safe Mode with Networking.

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If you failed to fix virus damage using Fortect Intego, submit a question to our support team and provide as much details as possible.
Fortect Intego has a free limited scanner. Fortect Intego offers more through scan when you purchase its full version. When free scanner detects issues, you can fix them using free manual repairs or you can decide to purchase the full version in order to fix them automatically.
Alternative Software
Different software has a different purpose. If you didn’t succeed in fixing corrupted files with Fortect, try running SpyHunter 5.
Alternative Software
Different software has a different purpose. If you didn’t succeed in fixing corrupted files with Intego, try running Combo Cleaner.
About the author
Lucia Danes
Lucia Danes - Virus researcher

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