Mobsync.exe: The Windows File Synchronization Process

Written by Robert Bailey
Mobsync.exe is a legitimate Windows system process that is responsible for managing synchronization of files between the local computer and network servers. It is also known as the Microsoft Sync Center, which allows users to sync files and folders with network servers, mobile devices, and other computers.

Mobsync.exe is designed to run in the background and automatically synchronize files when changes are detected, making it easier for users to keep their files up-to-date and accessible from multiple devices.

By default, Mobsync.exe runs in the background and does not require user interaction. However, users can configure sync settings and schedule sync sessions using the Sync Center interface in Windows.

Microsoft Sync Center

Microsoft Sync Center

If you notice high CPU or disk usage associated with the mobsync.exe process, it could indicate that the system is currently synchronizing a large number of files or folders. This can cause a slowdown in the system’s performance, but it is generally not a cause for concern.

What is Mobsync.exe process?

Mobsync.exe is a Windows system process that is responsible for managing file synchronization between the local computer and network servers.

However, cybercriminals may sometimes use the name of a legitimate process, such as Mobsync.exe, to disguise their malware and evade detection. In this case, the malware could be a coin miner trojan that is using the Mobsync.exe name to conceal its malicious activity.

If you suspect that Mobsync.exe is behaving abnormally or causing high CPU or disk usage, it is recommended to run a full system scan with a reputable antivirus or anti-malware software to detect and remove any potential threats. Additionally, you can monitor the process using the Task Manager or a system monitoring tool to identify any suspicious behavior or activity that could indicate malware infection.

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Mobsync.exe Windows Process

Mobsync.exe – Very high CPU/GPU usage

Besides CPU utilization, some of the coin miners also use GPU power for their operations. In that situation, you will likely struggle even to see the mouse arrow moving – GPU is usually used on 100%. It is not as critical as processor for system work, so Mobsync.exe coin miner viruses do not waste time on trifles and utilize all of it. It sometimes can cause unhappy effects.

Shortly about cryptocurrency mining

Crypto mining means the action of calculating the transaction block hash. That is a basic element of any project based on the blockchain technology. Since this operation takes a lot of calculations, a very powerful desktop is required. Exactly, the video card is better for this task, because they have more cores available. Cryptomining farms usually consist of tens and hundreds of video cards to conduct their activity effectively. Such computer systems are not usable for “general” purposes, like gaming or web browsing. Crooks who make profit via this coin miner use someones’ computers instead, even if they are used for the regular activity.1

List of the typical coin miner symptoms

  • Your device overheats (system unit/laptop body is very hot)
  • You are not able to open your apps or they are opening for ages
  • Unknown process is running in the background and consumes your PC resources
  • Windows Defender does not respond
  • How dangerous is the Mobsync.exe miner?

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

    Firstly, Mobsync.exe virus makes your system overloaded. It is unable to run your applications now, as all processor power is used by a virus. That malware does not care for your demands, all it focuses on is making money on you. Even if you are patient, and you waited until web browser is open, you will likely experience exceptionally sluggish performance. Pages will open up for years, any sort of logins will take about a minute – just a headache for a person that works online.

    Mobsync.exe Technical Summary.

    File NameMobsync.exe
    TypeTrojan Coin Miner
    Detection NameTrojan:Win32/CoinMiner
    Distribution MethodSoftware bundling, Intrusive advertisement, redirects to shady sites etc.
    Similar behaviorGwxconfigmanager.exe, Nahimicsvc64.exe, Oneetx.exe
    RemovalDownload and install GridinSoft Anti-Malware for automatic Mobsync.exe removal.

    “Visible” damage is not a solitary bad activity coin miners do to your PC. Mobsync.exe coin miner also deals damage to your OS. To carry out all malevolent functions correctly, it wrecks the protection features of your system. You will likely see your Microsoft Defender disabled – malware halts it to avoid recognition. If you check the HOSTS file, you will likely see a number of new entries – they are brought in by this trojan miner to connect your computer to a malicious cryptomining network. All these adjustments are about to be gone back to the initial state in the process of system recovery.

    Hardware effects of coin miner activity

    Besides decreasing your PC’s performance, running at peak power for long times may cause damage to your device as well as raise electricity bills. PC components are created to easily deal with high load, but they are good with it only when they are in a good shape.

    Small and well-protected CPU fan is quite hard to crack. Meanwhile, GPUs have large and easy-to-access rotors, which can be easily broke if affected while spinning, for instance, by the user much before the malware injection. Malfunctioning cooling system, together with the very high load caused by Mobsync.exe can easily lead to GPU failure2. GPUs are also tend to have very fast wearing when used for cryptocurrency mining. It is likely an undesirable situation when the performance of your GPU decreases on 20-30% only after 1-2 weeks of being used in such a way.

    How did I get Mobsync.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 common malicious programs among “serious” malware. Adware sometimes acts as a carrier for Mobsync.exe malware injection: it demonstrates you the banners, which include a link to malware downloading. Sure, this abstract “malware” can belong to any kind – an additional adware, spyware, rogue or backdoor. However, the statistics show that about 30% of all malware spread with the malicious banners are coin miners – and Mobsync.exe is just among them.

    Unwanted banners adware

    The example of malicious banners you can see in the Internet

    Another way you could get this thing on your PC is by downloading it from the dubious site as a part of a program. People that spread hacked variants of favored programs (which do not need the license key) have small chances to get paid. For this reason, there is a very big temptation to include malware to the final package of the hacked application and get a coin for each setup. Before blaming these guys for hacking and malware distribution, ask yourself – is it alright to avoid purchasing the program in this manner? It is more affordable to pay $20-$30 at once than to pay a much greater figure for antivirus software as well as new parts for your PC.

    How to remove the Mobsync.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 demands the use of special app. Effective antivirus must have high capability at scanning and be lightweight – in order to create no problems with utilization also on weak PCs. Additionally, it is better to have on-run security in your security tool – to stop the virus even before it starts. Microsoft Defender lacks these functions for different reasons. That’s why I’d suggest you to use a third-party anti-malware program for that reason. GridinSoft Anti-Malware is an ideal option that fits all of the discussed qualities.3

    Prior to the malware removal, it is important to reboot your system into Safe Mode with Networking. Since Mobsync.exe miner consumes a lot of CPU power, it is needed to halt it before launching the security program. Otherwise, your scan will last for years, even though the GridinSoft program is pretty lightweight.

    Booting the PC into Safe Mode with Networking

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

    Boot into Windows Safe Mode

    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.

    windows safe mode boot option with command prompt

    When your computer is in Safe Mode, all third-party programs, just like the majority of non-crucial system components, are not started with the system start. That gives you the ability to clean the computer without dealing with high CPU usage of the coin miner.

    Remove Mobsync.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.

    GridinSoft Anti-Malware free trial

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

    Scanning in GridinSoft Anti-Malware

    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.

    GridinSoft Anti-Malware after the scan process

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

    Remove Mobsync.exe Virus ⛏️ Trojan Coin Miner

    Name: Mobsync.exe

    Description: Mobsync.exe is a legitimate Windows system process that is responsible for managing synchronization of files between the local computer and network servers. It is also known as the Microsoft Sync Center, which allows users to sync files and folders with network servers, mobile devices, and other computers.

    Operating System: Windows

    Application Category: Trojan

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    References

    1. Detailed explanation of how does cryptomining work.
    2. About unwanted effects for GPUs in the process of cryptomining.
    3. Our review on GridinSoft Anti-Malware.

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    About the author

    Robert Bailey

    I'm Robert Bailey, a passionate Security Engineer with a deep fascination for all things related to malware, reverse engineering, and white hat ethical hacking.

    As a white hat hacker, I firmly believe in the power of ethical hacking to bolster security measures. By identifying vulnerabilities and providing solutions, I contribute to the proactive defense of digital infrastructures.

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