Btfs.exe Virus: Identifying and Removing the BTFS Malware

Btfs.exe is a process associated with BitTorrent’s file system driver, which is responsible for managing the file system used by BitTorrent Sync and other BitTorrent software. This process allows BitTorrent to manage and organize large numbers of files and ensures that they are downloaded and shared efficiently.

📍 However, in some cases, the Btfs.exe process can also be associated with malware or viruses in case if the file is not located in the “C:\Users\USERNAME\AppData\Roaming\BitTorrent\btfs\” folder.

It is better to prevent, than repair and repent!

When we talk about the intrusion of unfamiliar programs into your computer’s work, the proverb “Forewarned is forearmed” describes the situation as accurately as possible. Gridinsoft Anti-Malware is exactly the tool that is always useful to have in your armory: fast, efficient, up-to-date. It is appropriate to use it as an emergency help at the slightest suspicion of infection.

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What is Btfs.exe process?

Btfs.exe is a malicious process created by coin miner virus

As I have actually mentioned earlier, Btfs.exe is a coin miner virus. The names of the .exe file can be diverse. However, the effects are almost always identical. Since coin miners aim at cryptocurrency mining, they use all available hardware power of your desktop to run this procedure. This virus does not note that you probably need to use your device for other tasks – it will constantly take over 80% of your CPU power.

Btfs.exe – Very high CPU/GPU usage

Besides CPU consumption, some coin miners also use GPU power. In that instance, you will struggle even to see the mouse arrow moving – GPU is usually used on 100%. It is not as critical as the processor for system work, so Btfs.exe coin miner viruses don’t waste time on trifles and utilize it all. It sometimes may lead to sad effects.

Shortly about cryptocurrency mining

Cryptocurrency mining means the activity of calculating the transaction block hash. That is a basic part of any project based on blockchain technology. Since this action requires many calculations, a mighty machine is required. The video card is better for this task because more cores are available. Cryptocurrency mining farms usually have dozens of video cards to complete their task efficiently. Such systems are not usable for “usual” purposes, like gaming or browsing the Web. Fraudsters who gain money via this coin miner use someone’s computers instead, even if they are used for regular activity.¹

List of the typical coin miner symptoms

How dangerous is the Btfs.exe miner?

Coin miners do not deal damage to your files. However, they do a lot of unpleasant things with the whole system

First off, Btfs.exe virus makes your system overloaded. It cannot run your applications since a virus uses all processor power. That malware does not care for your needs; it only focuses on making money. Even if you are patient and wait until the web browser opens, you will likely experience prolonged performance. Pages will open for years; any logins will take about a minute – just a horror story for someone who works online.

Btfs.exe Technical Summary.

“Visible” damage is not a single unpleasant activity coin miners do to your system. Btfs.exe coin miner additionally deals damage to your OS. To execute all malicious functions properly ruins the protection features of your system. You will likely see your Microsoft Defender disabled – malware stops it to avoid detection. If you open the HOSTS file, you will likely see several new notes – brought in by this trojan miner to connect your computer to a malicious mining network. All these adjustments are about to be reverted to the original in the process of computer recovery.

Hardware effects of coin miner activity

Besides slowing down your PC, running at peak level for extended times may trigger damage to your device as well as increase power costs. Hardware components are created to get along with high load quickly, but they are good with it only when they are in good shape.

Tiny and well-protected CPU cooling system is hard to damage. Meanwhile, graphic cards have big and easy-to-access rotors, which can be easily broken if touched while working, for instance, by the user much earlier before the coin-miner injection. Malfunctioning cooling system, together with the extremely high load caused by Btfs.exe, can easily lead to graphic card failure². Graphic cards are also prone to wear more when used for crypto mining. It is surely an unwanted case when your GPU’s performance plunges 20-30% just after 1-2 weeks of being used in such a way.

How did I get the Btfs.exe coin miner virus?

Coin miners are spread through different ways, but their main sources are malicious banners and programs from dubious sources

Coin miners are one of the most widespread malevolent programs among “serious” viruses. Adware frequently works as a carrier for Btfs.exe malware injection: it shows you the banners, which include a link to malware downloads. This abstract “malware” may belong to any type – yet another adware, spyware, rogue or backdoor. However, the statistics say that around 30% of all viruses spread with malicious banners are coin miners – and Btfs.exe is just among them.³

The example of malicious banners you can see in the Internet

One more way you could get this thing on your PC is by downloading it from the untrustworthy web page as a part of a program. People who spread hacked variants of well-known programs (which do not require the license key) have small chances to earn money. For this reason, there is a huge temptation to add in malware to the final package of the hacked app and acquire a coin for each installation. Before blaming these people for hacking and also malware distribution, ask yourself – is it OK to avoid paying for the program in this manner? It is more affordable to pay $20-$30 one time than to pay a much bigger sum for an antivirus program as well as new parts for your desktop.

How to remove the Btfs.exe miner from my PC?

The best way to get rid of this coin miner virus is to use anti-malware software

Eliminating such a virus needs using special software. Proper security tools should have high efficiency at scanning and be lightweight – to create no problems with usage, even on weak systems. On top of that, it is recommended to have proactive protection in your security tool – to stop the virus even before it starts. Microsoft Defender does not have these functions for different reasons. That’s why I’d suggest you use a third-party anti-malware program. GridinSoft Anti-Malware is a perfect choice that fits all of the specified features.⁴

Before the malware removal, it is essential to reboot your Windows into Safe Mode with Networking. Since Btfs.exe miner consumes a lot of processor power, it is necessary to halt it before launching the security program. Otherwise, your scan will last for years, even though the GridinSoft program is lightweight.

Booting the PC into Safe Mode with Networking

Press the Start button, choose Power, and click Reboot while holding the Shift key on the keyboard.

Windows will reboot into recovery mode. In that mode, choose Troubleshoot→ Startup Settings→ Safe Mode with Networking. Press the corresponding button on your keyboard to choose that option.

When your PC is in Safe Mode, all third-party apps, just like most non-crucial system components, are not launched with the system start. That allows you to clean the PC without dealing with the high CPU usage of the coin miner.

Remove Btfs.exe coin miner virus with GridinSoft Anti-Malware

Download and install GridinSoft Anti-Malware. You can use this anti-malware program for free during its 6-day trial period. In that term, all functions are available, and it takes no payments to remove malware from your system.

After activating your free trial, start the Full scan. It may last up to 10 minutes. You may use the PC as usual.

When the scan is finished, press the Clean Now button to remove all detected elements from your system. This procedure takes less than a minute.

Now, you are good to go. Reboot your PC into normal Windows mode and use it just as if there was nothing malicious.

1. Detailed explanation of how does cryptomining work.
2. About unwanted effects for GPUs in the process of crypto mining.
3. Read more about various malware type on Cybersecurity Glossary.
4. Our review on GridinSoft Anti-Malware.

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