Bitcoin Forum

Hi

I recently got a new laptop, it runs smoothly and don't get heated or anything. But recently, I discovered my laptop now runs at max especially when I visit certain sites having to do with crypto currencies.

I heard this is a thing, how can I detect such activity?
Thanks

Either use an Adblock extension like uBlock Origin (firefox (https://addons.mozilla.org/firefox/addon/ublock-origin)/Chrome (https://chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/ublock-origin/cjpalhdlnbpafiamejdnhcphjbkeiagm/)) or a specific extension like minerBlock (https://chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/minerblock/emikbbbebcdfohonlaifafnoanocnebl). They will block the mining scripts.

Did you just messed up with all those links  :P

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Update: Ok, you fixed it  :)

When your accessing a site and it won't load smoothly as it usually do so you should do what TryNinja suggested by adding extensions that will prevent/block unauthorize program that will automatically run the mining scripts that will use your laptop's computing ability that will use to mine a block for them and not for your own gain.

Download uBlock Origin like what TryNinja suggested. Also, probably a decent anti-malware software like MalwareBytes[1] might be beneficial. I tried to use a Coinhive(monero miner) script on a test html page in the past and some anti-malware software are detecting it.

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[1] https://www.malwarebytes.com/

It is called the crypto jacking, that means the websites use the processing power of your laptop to mine cryptocurrencies and earn money in that way without your permission. However, as suggested by Tryninja, you can install browser extensions to stop these sites from using your computing power for mining purpose.

However, you can donate the hashing power for charity purpose if you are feeling generous anytime. Unicef is trying this experiment of raising money (https://www.thehopepage.org/).

Try to use AdwCleaner (https://www.malwarebytes.com/adwcleaner) it scan and remove adware, unwanted programs, browser hijackers,etc.

Just found a similar thread here (https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=4800929.0) he's suggestion is to install No Coin Extension (https://chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/no-coin-block-miners-on-t/gojamcfopckidlocpkbelmpjcgmbgjcl/related?hl=en)

Go to the task manager and see the process that are currently running and the ones that you do are not recognised.
In case of Windows 10 i have noticed CPU usage with 100% multiple times and after going through multiple forums i found that "Windows Search" is the culprit. I manually turned it off and now it's working fine.
Also, most anti malware and anti virus suits cover mining malware so you just need to get one and run a thorough scan on your PC. Use a Cleaner to clean junk files and keep your PC drivers up-to-date.
Usually in case of secretly mining in background, you will notice noise increase and performance decrease from general usage.

I'm using both Kaspersky Total Security and Kaspersky plugins to prevent any website to auto install any mining script like CPU mining and also they will warn you if you going to install a plugin miner which is not safe.

You can use the trial version of Kaspersky to scan your whole system and remove those auto mine scripts in your laptop.

There are some website or extension in Chrome use out hardware to mining bitcoin or some other crypto-currency. You can check in Task manager to find suspicious process the end these process.

I do not think BTC can be mined by laptop, somebody might be using your CPU power for some alt coin meeting.
Are you visiting faucets or claiming from faucets. Most of the faucets used the Coinhive Scripts. (https://krebsonsecurity.com/2018/03/who-and-what-is-coinhive/)

If your laptop is used for mining bitcoins, it will take so much time for the simplest actions too like opening google in your browser.

It is one effect when your laptop is being used currently for mining altcoins.

Through pressing Ctrl + alt + delete you will see if the performance of your CPU/GPU is almost 100% though you are not using some heavy duty apps.

And when it does, follow any of those recommendations to download a cleaner to detect and remove that miner on your browser.

Put on your performance monitor, if your CPU + GPU use skyrockets when you visit a certain website, you probably have your answer.

Use good antivirus to full scan your computer. If your laptop has not legit mining software, the antivirus will notify you and give you option to delete it.

Oh thanks so much guys. I have learnt a whole going through the comments! I am definitely going to install the browser extensions recommended.

You can check your cpu whether if it increases a lot when entering a site, this is just one of the ways for them to use your computer, there may be programs using your pc as well.

This advice is great! Already have ad-blocker running, will monitor CPU usage in the future if browser gets slow when visiting these sites. Thank you!

To resolve this problem of mining bitcoins you can  formatting your operating system of computer

Does McAfee antivirus software solve / prevent the problem?
Thank you!

I don't know if it can prevent or remove the problem in question, but it can warn you or stop you from visiting a potentially dangerous website, thus protecting you from a potential threat.