Almoristics Application is a malicious process associated with a crypto miner. It is not a legitimate system process and is designed to exploit the hardware power of the victim’s device to mine cryptocurrency for attackers. Users typically notice it in the Task Manager, with a heart-shaped icon to its left. In this post, I will tell you what this process is and how to remove it.
Almoristics Application (AlmoritsticsService) Overview
The Almoristics Application Virus, also referred to as Almoristics Service, is a type of malicious software that belongs to the family of crypto-mining Trojans. It is designed to exploit the computational resources of infected computers, particularly the CPU, to mine cryptocurrency for the benefit of its creators.
This activity leads to high CPU usage, causing significant system slowdowns. It also increases energy consumption and may even result in potential hardware damage due to overuse. It operates silently, making it difficult for users to detect. Additionally, it is not a legitimate system process, as it is not created or used by any non-malicious programs or Windows itself.
Technical Details
The Almoristics Application virus is a variant of older malware samples known as Altruistics or Alrustiq App. They use the infected computer’s resources to mine digital currencies like Monero or Zcash for the attackers’ profit. This malware is typically bundled with other software that users download from unreliable sources. These include third-party sites offering cracked software or free downloads.
Once installed, it launches a cryptojacking attack, running in the background and consuming significant CPU and RAM. Usage levels are often reported to reach up to 80% CPU utilization. This resource-intensive activity can lead to system slowdowns, frequent freezing, and overheating, potentially causing hardware wear over time.
The malware may also modify system settings and create backdoors for further exploitation. To evade detection, it disguises itself with various process names like Alrisit, Altisik, or AltrsikApplication. This makes it challenging for antivirus software to identify and remove.
How did I get infected?
Infection with the Almoristics Application Virus typically occurs through several deceptive methods. One common way is through bundled downloads. The malware is included in free or pirated software, such as game mods or key generators, often sourced from untrustworthy websites. Users may unknowingly install it by agreeing to optional installations during software setup. This is especially common when they fail to opt for custom installation settings.
Another method is through malicious spam emails. Opening attachments or clicking links disguised as legitimate documents can trigger the malware’s installation. Additionally, clicking on deceptive advertisements or pop-ups, particularly from shady sites. This also can lead to automatic downloads. The malware can also exploit vulnerabilities in outdated software or operating systems. Legacy versions like Windows 7 or 8, which no longer receive security updates, are particularly susceptible to infection.
How To Remove It?
Removing the Almoristics Application Virus requires a systematic approach to ensure all components are eliminated, given its tendency to back itself with Windows settings and resist manual removal. Start by booting into Safe Mode with Networking. You can find a detailed guide on how to get into safe mode here. This restricts non-system processes, preventing the malware from overloading the system during removal.
Perform a full system scan using reputable anti-malware tools like GridinSoft Anti-Malware. It can detect and remove all files, folders, and registry keys associated with the malware. After detection, follow the software’s instructions to clean the system, which may also take time if there are many detections.
