Infostealer malware has emerged as one of the most pressing cybersecurity threats in recent times, with various iterations and names flooding the digital landscape. This malware operates much like a subscription service, where cybercriminals pay monthly fees to access tools designed to deceive and exploit unsuspecting individuals. The infostealer economy is thriving, as highlighted by a recent report from Kaspersky, which indicates that approximately 25 million users were targeted between early 2023 and the end of 2024.
Infostealers are engineered to capture sensitive information, including bank card details, passwords, and other confidential data. The Kaspersky Digital Footprint Intelligence report reveals that nearly 26 million devices fell victim to these attacks during this timeframe, resulting in the leak of over 2 million unique bank card details. Alarmingly, one in every 14 infections led to the compromise of bank card data, alongside passwords and second-factor authentication cookies.
The Surge of Infostealer Malware
As 2024 progressed, researchers noted a significant uptick in infections, particularly driven by specific strains of malware. For instance, RisePro, which accounted for a mere 1.4% of infections in 2023, skyrocketed to 22.45% in 2024. Similarly, Stealc, a newer threat identified in 2023, saw its share increase from 2.65% to 13.33%. Despite the emergence of these new threats, Redline remained the most prevalent infostealer, responsible for 34.36% of all infections.
By August 2024, estimates suggested that 15.9 million devices had been affected by infostealer malware in 2023. However, by March 2025, that figure had risen to 16.49 million, exceeding previous predictions. The presence of new log files from 2023 on dark web platforms indicates that the actual number of infections may be even higher than anticipated. Researchers have tracked over 9 million infections from 2024, with final counts expected to surpass those of 2023, albeit not by a significant margin.
Protecting Your Sensitive Information
In light of the escalating threat posed by infostealer malware, it is essential to adopt proactive measures to safeguard your bank cards and passwords. Here are six effective strategies:
- 1. Invest in robust antivirus software: Ensure that you have strong antivirus software installed and regularly updated on all devices. This software can help detect and prevent infections, while also alerting you to potential phishing attempts and ransomware scams.
- 2. Utilize virtual cards for online transactions: Instead of using your actual bank card, consider generating virtual cards through your bank or services like Privacy.com. These temporary cards minimize exposure in the event of a data breach.
- 3. Set up transaction alerts and spending limits: Implement real-time alerts for transactions and establish daily spending limits on your cards to quickly identify any unauthorized activity.
- 4. Avoid storing card details in browsers: Infostealers often target autofill data in browsers. Decline prompts to save payment information and opt for a secure password manager instead.
- 5. Be strategic with passwords: Use strong, unique passwords and change them regularly. A password manager can assist in generating and securely storing these passwords.
- 6. Consider personal data removal services: While no service can guarantee complete removal of your data from the internet, a removal service can help monitor and automate the process of eliminating your information from various sites.
As infostealers continue to pose a significant risk, remaining vigilant and employing these protective measures can help mitigate the threat to your personal information. The digital landscape is fraught with challenges, but with the right tools and strategies, you can navigate it more safely.
