What is Infostealer Malware?

The proliferation of Infostealer Malware has become a pressing concern in the world of cybersecurity. As the digital landscape evolves, so do the tactics of cybercriminals or hackers. Infostealer Malware has recently witnessed a significant upswing, posing a severe threat to individuals, businesses, and organizations. As per a Secureworks report, the Russian Market observed a staggering 150% increase in stolen Infostealer malware logs in less than nine months, soaring from two million in June 2022 to over five million by late February 2023. This sharp rise in Infostealer Malware highlights the urgency to understand what exactly Infostealer Malware is.

What is Infostealer Malware?

Infostealer Malware, commonly known as data-stealing malware, is malicious software that secretly infiltrates networks or systems to steal sensitive information. It operates covertly, capturing data like personal information, financial credentials, login credentials, intellectual property, web browsing history, emails, and other valuable data that can be used for malicious purposes. It poses a significant threat to individuals, businesses, and organizations as it can lead to identity theft, financial loss, and unauthorized access to valuable data.

Infostealer Malware is commonly distributed through phishing emails, malicious links, infected attachments, compromised websites, or drive-by downloads. Once the malware infiltrates a system, it operates stealthily without the user's knowledge, attempting to collect sensitive or confidential data.

Types of Infostealer Malware

Some common types of Infostealer Malware include:

1. ?Email Stealers: Target specific email clients to gain access to email content and contact lists.
2. FTP Stealers: Target FTP (File Transfer Protocol) clients to obtain login credentials for FTP servers.
3. Credential Stealers: Target stored login credentials, such as usernames and passwords, from various sources like web browsers and applications.
4. Clipboard Stealers: Monitor the clipboard for copied information to steal sensitive data when the user copies it (e.g., passwords, credit card numbers).
5. Keyloggers: Record the keystrokes the user enters to capture credit card details, login credentials, and other confidential information.
6. Form Grabbers: Intercept data submitted through web forms to capture sensitive information the user enters, such as credit card details.
7. Browser Hijackers: Modify browser settings to capture browsing habits, search queries, and sensitive information entered online.

How to Protect Against Infostealer Malware?

To protect against Infostealer Malware, users and organizations should follow these best practices:

• Install reliable antivirus and antimalware software on your devices and keep them updated to detect and block known malware threats.
• Use strong and unique passwords for different accounts. Avoid reusing passwords, and consider using a password manager to store and manage passwords securely.
• Regularly update operating systems, applications, and software to patch security vulnerabilities.
• Enable Two-factor Authentication (2FA) and Multi-factor Authentication (MFA) for added security.
• Be cautious when opening email attachments, clicking links, or downloading attachments, especially from unknown or suspicious sources.
• Avoid using public Wi-Fi networks for sensitive activities, as they can be vulnerable to attacks.
• Always choose secure websites with "HTTPS" in the URL for all online activities, and be cautious when entering sensitive information online.
• Educate employees and users about phishing and social engineering techniques to avoid falling victim to such attacks.
• Regularly back up your vital data to an external, secure location to safeguard your digital assets against potential threats. In case of an attack, you can restore your data without having to pay a ransom or lose any critical information.