Malware
Cryptominer
Also known as: Coin miner, Mining malware
Definition
Software that performs cryptocurrency mining; malicious variants run without consent and divert host resources to attacker-controlled wallets.
Examples
- XMRig binaries deployed by malware to mine Monero on victim servers.
- Browser-based JavaScript miners that activate when a page is loaded.
Related terms
Cryptojacking
The unauthorized use of someone else's computing resources to mine cryptocurrency, typically via malware or malicious browser scripts.
Malware
Any software intentionally designed to disrupt, damage, or gain unauthorized access to computers, networks, or data.
Trojan Horse
Malware that disguises itself as a legitimate program to trick users into running it, delivering a hidden malicious payload.
Dropper
Malware whose role is to install ("drop") another malicious payload onto a target system, often after evading initial detection.
Loader
Malware that prepares the environment and loads further payloads — often directly into memory — for a subsequent stage of an attack.
Fileless Malware
Malware that runs primarily in memory and leverages trusted system tools, avoiding the use of traditional executable files on disk.