The Marlin Miner is a Trojan that utilizes a victim's GPU, or graphics card, to mine the digital currency called SiaCoin. When installed, this Trojan will execute a miner called marlin.exe that mines SiaCoin for the malware developer by using the resources of your GPU's processor.

What is particularly worrisome about this infection is that it will use the entire GPU's processing power indefinitely. This will cause your graphics card to run at very hot temperatures for extended periods of time, which could shorten the life of the card.

As there is no outward indication that the program is running, here is a list of symptoms that a user can use to determine if they are infected with the Marlin Miner:

You will see a process called Marlins.exe and with a description of marlin.exe running in task manager. This may not be using a lot of CPU power as it is the GPU that is doing the mining.

and with a description of running in task manager. This may not be using a lot of CPU power as it is the GPU that is doing the mining. You will see a process called VMProtectks.exe and with a description of _Kill_ running in task manager.

and with a description of running in task manager. Windows minimize and maximize slowly, games run slower, and videos stutter.

Programs don't launch as quickly.

General slowness when using the computer.

How was the Marlin Miner installed on my Computer?

The Marlin miner can be installed via adware bundles or Trojans that download it to your computer. Therefore, it is important to have an up-to-date antivirus program running on your computer to protect you from downloading Trojans and unwanted malware.

As you can see, the Marlin miner is a program that steals your computer's GPU resources and your electricity and profits from it. In order to make a computer operate normally again and protect the computer's hardware, you should use the guide below to remove this Trojan for free.