Mining programs contain malware? Should i be worried?

[simplydt]

I started mining some coins today, and I just ran a malware scan and it comes up with the following as malware:
Files Detected: 3
C:\Users\David\Downloads\cgminer-3.7.0-windows.zip (PUP.Optional.BitCoinMIner) -> No action taken.
C:\Users\David\Downloads\mining_proxy.exe (PUP.Proxy.BCM) -> No action taken.
C:\Users\David\Downloads\pooler-cpuminer-2.2.3-win32.zip (Trojan.BitcoinMiner) -> No action taken.

(end)


- I downloaded them all from the original source.. is it really malware or should i not worry?


http://postimg.org/image/v9yvzzw5t/

[rarkenin]

Historically, bitcoin mining software is similar to botnet software using the computing power of unsuspecting users maliciously. In order to combat this, antiviruses generally block code appearing to be a miner or related software.

As you can see, the signature name, "PUP.Optional.BitCoinMiner" shows that the antivirus recognized this mining program as a PUP(potentially unwanted program) that mines bitcoins. In this case, it is not unwanted since I assume you wish to mine bitcoins. In this case, carry on.

"Trojan.BitcoinMiner" likewise is a reference to the antivirus thinking the program is unwanted with adverse effects of stealing power to mine for an attacker.

Remember: ONLY download mining or wallet software(or any bitcoin software for that matter) from trusted users and sites to avoid real malware. Mine at your own risk and keep computer temperatures within reasonable bounds. Mining may or may not be profitable, depending on your setup and hardware.

[simplydt]

Historically, bitcoin mining software is similar to botnet software using the computing power of unsuspecting users maliciously. In order to combat this, antiviruses generally block code appearing to be a miner or related software.

As you can see, the signature name, "PUP.Optional.BitCoinMiner" shows that the antivirus recognized this mining program as a PUP(potentially unwanted program) that mines bitcoins. In this case, it is not unwanted since I assume you wish to mine bitcoins. In this case, carry on.

"Trojan.BitcoinMiner" likewise is a reference to the antivirus thinking the program is unwanted with adverse effects of stealing power to mine for an attacker.

Remember: ONLY download mining or wallet software(or any bitcoin software for that matter) from trusted users and sites to avoid real malware. Mine at your own risk and keep computer temperatures within reasonable bounds. Mining may or may not be profitable, depending on your setup and hardware.

Thanks, the worrying thing is i only did this to play around with it, as its only making $0.10 cents a day if that, so it would be a shame if it stole my currency exchange site details and fkd me over for $.10 cents I do have 2 factor auth though so hopefully that stops any hackers from taking my currency!

Do you know if hackers with access to your computer can steal your phone's 2 factor auth somehow?

[rarkenin]

Do you know if hackers with access to your computer can steal your phone's 2 factor auth somehow?

That's the point of 2-factor. That it can't be stolen that way. Using strong crypto, 2-factor creates a new key each time, and invalidates it. If a hacker steals your 2-factor token it would have already expired due to your using it, so I wouldn't worry too much. Still, make sure you're using software from official sources/sites.