How to remove WannaMine virus

WannaMine virus is used for mining Monero cryptocurrency

WannaMine is a fileless malware which is used for mining cryptocurrency. The malicious program was first detected in October 2017 exploiting NSA EternalBlue exploit kit to infect computers.^[1] Such functionality makes malware detection, removal, and prevention quite complicated.

WannaMine virus uses the same exploit National Security Agency’s kit that was leaked by Shadow Brokers hackers group in April 2017. However, in May and June, it was used to launch a worldwide WannaCry and NotPetya attacks. Hence, malware targets and infects unpatched Windows OS computers.

Additionally, WannaMine malware uses “living off the land” techniques,^[2] meaning that cyber criminals are using and exploiting specific programs or tools that are already installed on the affected computer. In this case, the malware uses Windows Management Instrumentation (WMI) permanent event subscriptions and PowerShell to get persistence and operate on the affected system.

WannaMine works as a computer worm. Thus, once it affects one machine, it continues spreading via the whole network. Therefore, within a short amount of time, all computers on the targeted company or organization might become unusable due to the CPU overuse.

The main purpose of the WannaMine malware is to mine Monero cryptocurrency. The virus tries to take the maximum of computer’s processor’s and RAM’s power to make digital money. According to some reports, malware can use up to 80-100% of computer’s CPU.

Due to the high computer resource’s usage, the affected machine becomes nearly unusable. Hence, immediate WannaMine removal is needed. However, this task may not be simple. Regular antivirus programs might not be capable of detecting the virus. Virus elimination requires using next-generation tools.

In order to remove WannaMine, you can try using FortectIntego or MalwarebytesMalwarebytes. However, it’s also important to disconnect a computer from the network as soon as you notice its infiltration. It helps to stop the virus from spreading and affecting devices connected to the same network.

Malware uses EternalBlue exploit kit

The virus takes advantage of EternalBlue exploit kit which uses Windows OS vulnerabilities. Nevertheless, Microsoft patched these security flaws and provided updates. However, many computer users and companies did not install them. Hence, they become victims of malware.

To avoid WannaMine hijack, users are advised to:

• install Windows patches;
• regularly install software updates;
• stay away from illegal, corrupted or suspicious downloads;
• not open unknown email attachments and suspicious links received from contacts;
• install reputable antivirus software that provides real-time protection from sophisticated cyber threats.

Researchers from utanvirus.se^[3] also remind that fileless malware is hard to detect and eliminate. Thus, it’s better to take precautions than getting infected with cryptocurrency miner.

Remove WannaMine from the system

WannaMine is a fileless malware. Hence, it’s impossible to remove it manually. As soon as malicious components are executed on the system, malware hides its traces. Thus, basic security programs cannot protect a computer from the attack but are unable to delete the virus too.

To remove WannaMine from the device, you can try using FortectIntego, MalwarebytesMalwarebytes or other malware removal software. Next-generation tools should be capable of cleaning your computer from the system.

After WannaMine removal, you should take care of computer’s or network’s security. Upgrade to the latest Windows OS, install available updates, and follow general security tips when browsing the web.