Infostealers Pose Growing Cybersecurity Threat in 2023
/ 3 min read
Quick take - In 2023, infostealers have become a major cybersecurity threat, compromising nearly 2 billion records and affecting over 500 million devices globally by collecting sensitive information through various sophisticated techniques and delivery methods.
Fast Facts
- Infostealers have become a major cybersecurity threat in 2023, impacting over 500 million devices and compromising nearly 2 billion records, including sensitive information like usernames, passwords, and credit card numbers.
- The infostealer ecosystem has evolved with sophisticated techniques and the rise of Malware-as-a-Service (MaaS), allowing users with limited technical skills to access infostealer tools for a monthly fee.
- Common delivery methods for infostealers include phishing emails, malicious websites, malvertising, and infected software from untrusted sources.
- Infostealers utilize various techniques to collect data, such as keyloggers, form grabbers, and remote access trojans, transmitting stolen information through channels like HTTP requests and FTP transfers.
- To protect against infostealers, experts recommend using virus scanners, being cautious of phishing attempts, regularly clearing browser data, enabling Dark Web Monitoring, and monitoring account access for unusual activity.
Infostealers: A Growing Cybersecurity Threat in 2023
In 2023, infostealers have emerged as a significant cybersecurity threat, affecting over 500 million devices worldwide. These malicious programs are designed to collect sensitive information from infected systems, with nearly 2 billion records compromised due to infostealer attacks. The compromised records often include usernames, passwords, credit card numbers, and Social Security numbers.
The Evolving Infostealer Ecosystem
The infostealer ecosystem has evolved, showcasing more sophisticated techniques and changing business models. One notable development is the emergence of Malware-as-a-Service (MaaS), which allows individuals with limited technical skills to access infostealer tools for a monthly fee of approximately $120. Infostealers are capable of gathering a wide range of sensitive data, including:
- Login credentials (usernames, email addresses, passwords)
- Financial information (credit card numbers, bank account details)
- Personal data (Social Security numbers, addresses, phone numbers)
- Browser data (bookmarks, history, cookies)
- Emails and chat logs
- Images and documents
- Cryptocurrency wallet information
- Screenshots of user activity
These programs are often used alongside other types of malware, enhancing the overall effectiveness of cyberattacks.
Delivery Methods and Data Collection Techniques
Infostealers are delivered through various methods, including:
- Phishing emails containing malicious attachments or links
- Malicious websites that exploit browser vulnerabilities
- Malvertising, which injects malware into legitimate advertisements
- Infected software obtained from untrusted sources
Once installed, infostealers employ various techniques to collect data, such as:
- Keyloggers that record keystrokes
- Form grabbers that intercept data submitted through web forms
- Clipboard hijackers that monitor and alter clipboard contents
- Remote access trojans (RATs) that provide attackers with control over the infected machine
- Screen capture methods that take screenshots during sensitive activities
- Browser session hijacking to steal cookies and session tokens
- File harvesting that targets documents and emails
- Crypto wallet harvesting that steals private keys from cryptocurrency wallets
The collected data is transmitted to attackers via different channels, including HTTP/HTTPS requests, FTP transfers, or email. Once in the hands of cybercriminals, the stolen information can be sold or traded on both centralized and decentralized marketplaces.
Implications and Protective Measures
The implications of stolen data are severe, leading to identity theft, financial fraud, and phishing attacks. Ransomware incidents and sextortion or blackmail can also occur. However, the reliability of infostealer-collected data can be compromised due to user errors during data entry or infections on the attackers’ machines.
To safeguard against infostealers, cybersecurity experts recommend several protective measures:
- Using virus scanners to detect malware
- Exercising caution against phishing attempts
- Regularly clearing cookies and browser data
- Enabling Dark Web Monitoring on accounts
- Actively monitoring account access with activity alerts from financial institutions
Understanding the mechanisms of infostealers is essential for developing effective strategies. Awareness of the nature of the data they collect is crucial in mitigating these cybersecurity threats.
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