Trojan win32/Tiggre!rfn: what it is and how to remove it
Trojan:win32/Tiggre!rfn is a malicious program created by cybercriminals to mine cryptocurrency on victims' computers. The malignant file is sent out to users as a video file, but, in reality, it is an AutoIt script that runs specific tasks to misuse the computer's resources for making cryptocurrency.
Facts checked October 5, 2026. Removal steps tested on Windows 11 (26H2) and checked against Microsoft's and the browser makers' current documentation. Sections marked as our earlier report are the original text: they describe the threat as it was then and have not been reviewed since. The 2026 status, the removal steps and the questions are current.
Automatic
Get a free scan and check if your PC is infected.
Fortect finds malware, unwanted programs and the Windows damage they leave behind, and repairs it in one pass.
An automatic scan can look at cherry.exe and the other programs installed around the same time.
Do it yourself · free Remove Trojan win32/Tiggre!rfn yourself 6 steps, about 18 minutes, no software needed.
Start the steps
Trojan win32/Tiggre!rfn: summary
| Detection names | No Microsoft detection name is known |
|---|---|
| Distribution | Not recorded in the old report |
| Damage | Not recorded in the old report |
| Name | Trojan win32/Tiggre!rfn |
| Type | Loader |
| Symptoms | An unknown process in Task Manager |
| Removal | Scan the PC with security software to find and remove the malware and anything installed with it. Fortect scans Windows for malware and repairs the system files and settings it damaged. Remove it nowTo use the full-featured product, you have to purchase a license for Fortect. The scan is free. |
Show 4 more facts
| Evidence | 4 write-ups by security sites; details still limited |
|---|---|
| File names | cherry.exe |
| First seen | 2 October 2018 |
| Facts checked | 5 October 2026 |
What Trojan win32/Tiggre!rfn does on an infected PC
From our report of Oct 2018 · not reviewed since
Signs and symptoms of crypto-mining bot presence
Cryptojacking is a term used to describe a process when hackers employ malicious software to farm cryptocurrency (like Bitcoin, Monero, Ethereum and many others) every time the machine starts.
Alternatively, a malicious script ran online can execute the same process without intruding computers directly.
The most significant problem of a trojan that it typically does not expose many symptoms. However, the crypto-mining virus usually has one distinctive feature - it slows down the CPU and GPU performance considerably because cryptocurrency mining uses a lot of computer resources to solve complex mathematical problems.
Not only simple tasks might become hard to accomplish because of high CPU usage, but even simple ones like loading a webpage or rebooting your PC might take a very long time.
This might decrease the life of your CPU or damage it beyond repair because of the overheating issues. If your PC started to behave sluggishly, its time to perform a full computer scan and instantaneously proceed with Trojan win32/Tiggre!rfn removal.
Another nasty trait of a trojan horse is that it can open the door to other malicious infections, including spyware, keyloggers, ransomware, other trojans and similar. These dangerous viruses can steal and share personal information, lock up your files and even lead to hardware failure.
From our report of Oct 2018 · not reviewed since
More from our earlier report on Trojan win32/Tiggre!rfn
- However, you can also find this threat under other titles, including TROJ_DIGMINEIN.A (Trend Micro), Trojan.GenericKD.12694003 (BitDefender), W32/Autoit.CGO!tr (Fortinet) and others.
- Significantly increased load on CPU, slow overall PC performance
- Spam emails, Facebook messenger, malicious websites
- Modular malware can be equipped with system-destroying capabilities, so you might have to reinstall Windows after its elimination.
- Instead, you can try using to remediate the OS
What Trojan win32/Tiggre!rfn can steal or download
From our report of Oct 2018 · not reviewed since
Malware can cause extreme damage, not to only your computer but can endanger your virtual safety too.
Therefore, it is vital to know how malicious programs are distributed to be able to protect yourself from them.
NoVirus.uk experts segregate the following infection methods:
- Spam emails. Emails from unknown sources can contain malicious payload inside the attachment, or the link can be presented which leads directly to the malicious file. Thus, it is important never to open any emails from unknown sources. If you are not sure whether the email and attachment are legitimate, scan the attached file with powerful security software. DO NOT execute the file. The following file types are typically used: .txt, .pdf and .doc.
- Compromised or illegal websites. Dubious websites, such as torrent sites, can hide malware inside program installers. Additionally, installing pirated software is illegal and can bring you in a lot of trouble.
- Malicious adverts and redirects. Do not click on any ads of unknown origin. Additionally, when you get redirected, restrain yourself from clicking on anything and close down your browser immediately. Make sure your previously opened tabs do not open.
- win32/Tiggre!rfn virus is known to be spread via social media, namely Facebook Messenger program. Thus, do not download any files from unknown individuals. Additionally, infected computers might be distributing malware from legal Facebook accounts so be wary!
How Trojan win32/Tiggre!rfn got on your PC
From our report of Oct 2018 · outdated details corrected in October 2026
Trojan:win32/Tiggre!rfn is a malicious program created by cybercriminals to mine cryptocurrency on victims' computers.
The malignant file is sent out to users as a video file, but, in reality, it is an AutoIt script that runs specific tasks to misuse the computer's resources for making cryptocurrency.
Windows security software detects it under this name. If any of these show up on your computer screen, make sure you take the needed actions to stop malicious activities on your computer.
As soon as the virus is delivered, it modifies registry entries and makes other changes to users' computers to ensure its presence each time Windows start. Additionally, malware disables any security software located on a targeted computer, making it much harder to detect and delete.
The malicious file arrives at the victims' systems with the help of other malware programs or is downloaded from malicious websites. Trojan also was noticed to be spread via Facebook Messenger. Therefore, users should be careful while downloading files from Facebook.
win32/Tiggre!rfn trojan affected Windows versions including Vista, 7, and 8, which are no longer supported. It drops an executable file called cherry.exe. This file can be found in the task manager with its original location being %Application Data%\{User name}\cherry.exe.
How to check the PC for Trojan win32/Tiggre!rfn
- File:
cherry.exe
How to remove Trojan win32/Tiggre!rfn
A loader's job is to install other malware, so treat the PC as infected with more than one program until the scans are clean.
Step 1: Check where cherry.exe runs from and stop it
cherry.exeis the part you can see, and its location tells you whether it belongs there. Right-click it on the Processes page of Task Manager and choose Open file location, then right-click the file > Properties > Digital Signatures to see who signed it.An unsigned file, or one in a user folder such as
%AppData%, is the one to remove: end the task, then delete the file.Note the folder name, because the same folder usually holds its other files. This is the same in Windows 11 and Windows 10.
Full procedure with screenshots: Close a frozen app (Task Manager, Force Quit) On uGetFix
Step 2: Delete scheduled tasks that bring it back
Open Task Scheduler from the Start menu and click Task Scheduler Library. Select each task you do not recognise and read the Actions tab:
- a task that starts a file in
%AppData%or%Temp% - runs
powershellwith a long encoded line - opens a web address belongs to Trojan win32/Tiggre!rfn or a similar program
Right-click such a task and choose Delete, and check the subfolders too. Leave tasks from Microsoft, your PC's maker and programs you use. Task Scheduler is the same in Windows 11 and Windows 10.
Windows 11: Task Scheduler Library, the task selected, the Actions tab shows the file it runs. Full procedure with screenshots: Remove what malware leaves behind in Windows
- a task that starts a file in
Step 3: Remove it from startup
Whatever Trojan win32/Tiggre!rfn installed usually starts with Windows.
Open Task Manager with Ctrl + Shift + Esc, go to Startup apps in Windows 11 or the Startup tab in Windows 10, and disable what you do not know, starting with entries that have an empty Publisher column.
Open file location on the right-click menu shows the file, which helps you decide and tells you what to delete later. Disabling is safe: if something you need stops working, switch it back on.
Full procedure with screenshots: Stop apps from opening at startup On uGetFix
Step 4: Delete the folders left behind
What the uninstaller leaves behind is usually in the user folders. Open File Explorer, switch on View > Show > Hidden items (in Windows 10 View > Hidden items), and go through
%LocalAppData%,%AppData%, %ProgramData% and the two Program Files folders.Sort by Date modified and delete folders that appeared together with the problem and belong to no program you use. Folders with random names that hold
.exe,.dll, .js or .ps1 files are the strongest sign.Full procedure with screenshots: Remove what malware leaves behind in Windows
Step 5: Scan the PC, then run the offline scan
Open Windows Security > Virus & threat protection > Scan options, run a Full scan and remove everything it finds. Then select Microsoft Defender Antivirus (offline scan) and click Scan now: the PC restarts and scans before Windows loads, which finds files that hide while Windows runs.
Save your work first, because the offline scan takes about 15 minutes. Both scans are built into Windows 11 and Windows 10, and a second scanner from another vendor is a useful extra opinion.
Windows 11: Windows Security > Virus & threat protection > Scan options. Full procedure with screenshots: Run a Microsoft Defender Offline scan
Step 6: Change passwords from another device and sign out other sessions
Assume that the passwords saved in this PC's browsers, and the accounts that were open in them, are known to the attacker. From a phone or a clean computer, change the e-mail password first, then banking, shopping, social and gaming accounts.
Use each service's option to sign out of all other sessions, because stolen cookies keep a session open even after a password change. Turn on two-step verification on each account. Wait with the infected Windows 11 or Windows 10 PC until the scans are clean.
Full procedure with screenshots: Turn on two-step verification / secure a hacked account
Instructions for each browser and system
The detailed steps for every browser and system this guide covers. Open the one you use.
Manual removal using Safe Mode
Important! →
Manual removal guide might be too complicated for regular computer users. It requires advanced IT knowledge to be performed correctly (if vital system files are removed or damaged, it might result in full Windows compromise), and it also might take hours to complete. Therefore, we highly advise using the automatic method provided above instead.
Step 1. Access Safe Mode with Networking
Manual malware removal should be best performed in the Safe Mode environment.
Windows 7 / Vista / XP
- Click Start > Shutdown > Restart > OK.
- When your computer becomes active, start pressing F8 button (if that does not work, try F2, F12, Del, etc. - it all depends on your motherboard model) multiple times until you see the Advanced Boot Options window.
- Select Safe Mode with Networking from the list.
Windows 10 / Windows 8
- Right-click on Start button and select Settings.
- Scroll down to pick Update & Security.
- On the left side of the window, pick Recovery.
- Now scroll down to find Advanced Startup section.
- Click Restart now.
- Select Troubleshoot.
- Go to Advanced options.
- Select Startup Settings.
- Press Restart.
- Now press 5 or click 5) Enable Safe Mode with Networking.
Step 2. Shut down suspicious processes
Windows Task Manager is a useful tool that shows all the processes running in the background. If malware is running a process, you need to shut it down:
- Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc on your keyboard to open Windows Task Manager.
- Click on More details.
- Scroll down to Background processes section, and look for anything suspicious.
- Right-click and select Open file location.
- Go back to the process, right-click and pick End Task.
- Delete the contents of the malicious folder.
Step 3. Check program Startup
- Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc on your keyboard to open Windows Task Manager.
- Go to Startup tab.
- Right-click on the suspicious program and pick Disable.
Step 4. Delete virus files
Malware-related files can be found in various places within your computer. Here are instructions that could help you find them:
- Type in Disk Cleanup in Windows search and press Enter.
- Select the drive you want to clean (C: is your main drive by default and is likely to be the one that has malicious files in).
- Scroll through the Files to delete list and select the following:
Temporary Internet Files
Downloads
Recycle Bin
Temporary files - Pick Clean up system files.
- You can also look for other malicious files hidden in the following folders (type these entries in Windows Search and press Enter):
%AppData%
%LocalAppData%
%ProgramData%
%WinDir%
After you are finished, reboot the PC in normal mode.
From our report of Oct 2018 · not reviewed since
Trojan win32/Tiggre!rfn elimination can prevent your CPU from overheating
We do not recommend manual malware removal.
Trojan horses are dangerous and complicated viruses, and its elimination requires in-depth computer system files knowledge. Besides, tampering with system files can permanently damage your OS.
Thus, we advise you to remove win32/Tiggre!rfn virus using powerful security software. Do not forget that the trojan will not let security software to start properly. Therefore, you need to restart your PC in Safe Mode with networking and start the security program from there.
[GI=method-1]To make sure the anti-virus program can start correctly, reboot your PC in Safe Mode with Networking. Please follow these steps:
After removal: passwords, accounts and prevention
Secure your accounts after the clean-up
Assume that whatever was saved in the browsers on this PC while the PC showed an unfamiliar process called cherry.exe in Task Manager has been copied:
- passwords
- cookies
- autofill data
Work from a clean device, or from this PC once the offline scan finds nothing.
Start with your main e-mail account, because it can reset everything else, then banking and payment, then social and gaming accounts. Change each password, sign out of all sessions and turn on two-step verification: Turn on two-step verification / secure a hacked account.
The full order, including crypto wallets and card replacement, is in securing your accounts after malware.
Do not let government spy on you
The government has many issues in regards to tracking users' data and spying on citizens, so you should take this into consideration and learn more about shady information gathering practices.
Avoid any unwanted government tracking or spying by going totally anonymous on the internet.
You can choose a different location when you go online and access any material you want without particular content restrictions. You can easily enjoy internet connection without any risks of being hacked by using VPN.
Control the information that can be accessed by government any other unwanted party and surf online without being spied on. Even if you are not involved in illegal activities or trust your selection of services, platforms, be suspicious for your own security and take precautionary measures by using the VPN service.
Backup files for the later use, in case of the malware attack
Computer users can suffer from data losses due to cyber infections or their own faulty doings.
Ransomware can encrypt and hold files hostage, while unforeseen power cuts might cause a loss of important documents. If you have proper up-to-date backups, you can easily recover after such an incident and get back to work. It is also equally important to update backups on a regular basis so that the newest information remains intact - you can set this process to be performed automatically.
When you have the previous version of every important document or project you can avoid frustration and breakdowns. It comes in handy when malware strikes out of nowhere. Use for the data restoration process.
Questions about Trojan win32/Tiggre!rfn
Is cherry.exe safe?
It depends on where the file is and who signed it, not on the name. Open Task Manager, go to the Details tab, right-click cherry.exe and choose Open file location. A file inside Program Files or System32 with a valid digital signature from a known company is usually part of a legitimate program.
A file in AppData, Temp or ProgramData with no signature, especially one that restarts itself after you end it, is suspicious. If you cannot tie the process to anything you installed, uninstall recent unfamiliar programs and run a Microsoft Defender Offline scan.
cherry.exe keeps coming back. What should I do?
A process that returns after you end it has a restart mechanism, and that is a reason to treat cherry.exe as unwanted. Check Settings > Apps > Startup, Task Scheduler and the Services list for entries pointing to its folder, and disable them.
Look in Installed apps for anything added the same day and uninstall it. Then delete the folder and run a Microsoft Defender Offline scan, which works before Windows starts and can remove files that are locked or hidden while the system is running.
Can I just delete cherry.exe?
Deleting cherry.exe by hand rarely removes Trojan win32/Tiggre!rfn. While the trojan runs, Windows may refuse to delete the file, and if you succeed, a scheduled task, a service or a second copy may bring it back at the next restart.
The file can also be only one part of the infection: loaders and remote access tools often install other programs. Use the Microsoft Defender offline scan, which removes the file together with its startup entries before Windows loads, and then check startup items and scheduled tasks as described in the plan.
What are the signs of a trojan infection?
Most trojans try to leave no visible signs, so look for side effects. Common ones:
- Windows Security turned off or unable to update
- new entries in Startup apps or Task Scheduler
- programs in Installed apps you did not install
- browser settings that changed by themselves
- unusual network activity while the PC is idle
- password-reset or login-alert e-mails you did not trigger
None of these proves an infection on its own. Together with an antivirus alert naming Trojan win32/Tiggre!rfn, they are a strong reason to follow the full plan.
Can Trojan win32/Tiggre!rfn spread to other devices on my network?
Most trojans aimed at home users stay on the PC they infected, but an attacker with remote access can look at the network, open shared folders and try passwords on other devices. Loaders sometimes deliver worms or ransomware that do spread.
Disconnect the PC while cleaning, run a full scan on other Windows PCs, change the router's admin password and the Wi-Fi password if they were saved on the infected PC, and update the router's firmware. If other PCs show the same detection, treat them as infected too.
Which malware family is Trojan win32/Tiggre!rfn?
That is not known yet. Trojan win32/Tiggre!rfn has been reported by people who saw an unfamiliar process called cherry.exe in Task Manager, but no sample has been analysed publicly, so security companies have not assigned it to a family. The name you see may be a file or program name chosen by the authors, not a family name.
This does not stop you from removing it: the startup points, the offline scan and the account steps are the same for most families of this type. If Microsoft Defender or another scanner gives the file a detection name, write it down; that name is the best clue to the family and is useful when you report the incident.
Is a trojan infection worth reporting to the police?
If there was harm, yes. Unauthorised payments, accounts used for fraud, blackmail or a remote session during a scam call all belong in a report, and banks often ask for its reference number before they refund anything.
If antivirus caught Trojan win32/Tiggre!rfn before it ran and nothing was misused, there is nothing to report. Keep the evidence anyway:
- protection history
- the original download
- the dates
Businesses may also have to notify a data protection authority if personal data could have been accessed.
Can I keep using the PC while Trojan win32/Tiggre!rfn is on it?
Not for anything that matters. As long as the program behind an unfamiliar process called cherry.exe in Task Manager runs, it can see what you type and what the browser stores, and it may download more malware. Disconnect the PC from the internet while you remove it, and do your banking, e-mail and password changes from another device.
Once the offline scan finds nothing and the sign does not return after a few restarts, normal use is fine. If the scan keeps finding new items, or you cannot remove the startup entry, a reset of Windows is the safer choice.
Why didn't my antivirus stop Trojan win32/Tiggre!rfn?
New trojan builds are packed and changed often so that signatures do not match, and some are signed with stolen or bought certificates. Many arrive inside password-protected archives, which scanners cannot open until you extract them.
Some downloads also tell the user to turn off the antivirus "because it gives false alarms", a common line in cracked software instructions. Keep real-time protection on, never disable it for an installer, and run the offline scan whenever you suspect something slipped through.
Will Fortect remove Trojan win32/Tiggre!rfn?
Fortect scans Windows for malware and unwanted programs and repairs the system files and settings they change, and its free scan shows what it finds on your PC before you decide anything.
For Trojan win32/Tiggre!rfn, follow the plan above as well: the browser steps take back permissions and settings that no scanner treats as a threat, and uninstalling the program that brought it removes the source.
Run Microsoft Defender's full scan and, if anything was found, its offline scan as a second opinion. If the symptoms are gone after the plan and both scans are clean, there is nothing more to do.
Sources
- Microsoft: Structure of the Registry (read October 5, 2026)
- FTC: How to recognize, remove and avoid malware (read October 5, 2026)
- Microsoft Learn: Microsoft Defender Offline (read October 5, 2026)
- Microsoft Learn: How Microsoft names malware (read October 5, 2026)