Summary

  • Infostealer malware allows hackers to gain sensitive information such as personal data, financial details and login credentials through a variety of methods including keystroke capturing, clipboard hijacking and file harvesting.
  • In 2024 it led to the leak of 3.9 billion passwords and accounted for 25% of all cyber attacks.
  • Most often it is used as a reconnaissance tool to allow hackers to prepare bigger attacks.
  • Once infecting a device, they can steal corporate login details and install backdoors and remote access tools to either encrypt data or steal it.
  • The issue of infostealer malware is set to get worse, with advanced obfuscation techniques and the use of AI to enhance phishing campaigns contributing to an increase in attacks globally.
  • Individuals and organisations need to stay vigilant and enhance security measures to protect against infection.

By Loraine Centeno

Original Article