Recent reports from security researchers indicate a troubling surge in the activity of the Snake keylogger, also known as the 404 Keylogger. This malicious software has been linked to over 280 million attack attempts since the start of the year, with the actual number likely much higher due to unreported incidents.
Millions of attacks every day
At its peak, the Snake keylogger has been responsible for as many as 14 million infection attempts in a single day. Its capabilities extend beyond merely logging keystrokes; it can also extract personally identifiable information, including geolocation data, through various web tools. Once it captures sensitive information such as passwords and bank details, the malware transmits this data back to its command server using channels like SMTP, Telegram bots, and HTTP post requests. The risk posed by this malware is deemed “high” for both individuals and organizations.
How does Snake work?
The Snake keylogger operates on the AutoIT framework, a binary program designed for automating tasks on Windows systems. Upon infiltrating a device, it creates a copy of itself in the Windows Startup folder, ensuring its execution upon every system restart. This persistence means that even if the computer is shut down, the malware will reactivate upon reboot without requiring administrative privileges.
Moreover, this variant of the keylogger employs advanced obfuscation techniques, complicating detection by antivirus software. Its malicious code is cleverly concealed within processes that the operating system recognizes as legitimate, making it even more challenging to identify.
What you can do to protect yourself
As with many forms of malware, the Snake keylogger primarily spreads through phishing attacks, which are becoming increasingly sophisticated worldwide. To safeguard against such threats, it is crucial to protect your personal data, such as email addresses, from being shared with third parties, as this can make you a target for phishing campaigns.
Additionally, exercise caution when interacting with emails from unknown or unexpected sources. Avoid clicking on links or opening attachments unless you can verify the sender’s intentions. Staying vigilant is key to maintaining your cybersecurity in the face of evolving threats.
Further reading: The most common phishing scams to be aware of
