In this chapter, we’ll delve into the escalating threat of infostealers and the broader implications they carry. Infostealers are not your typical data thieves; they’ve evolved into gateways for more malicious actions, including ransomware and data exfiltration. This chapter will shed light on the vital role of tackling this growing menace and understanding its implications for cybersecurity.
Infostealers: Beyond Data Theft
Infostealers are not merely after data; they represent a perilous path to more devastating attacks. The statistics underline the urgency of addressing this issue.Â
We’ve observed a staggering 200% increase in human-operated ransomware attacks since September 2022, making the connection between infostealers and ransomware all the more critical.
Commercialization of Infostealers
What adds to the concern is the commercialization of these threats. Infostealers have entered the market as “Malware as a Service,” making them easily accessible to individuals lacking technical expertise. Underground markets, especially in regions like Russia with forums such as Genesis, have become hubs for trading stolen credentials.Â
This commercial approach has given rise to new threat actors. Groups like Karakurt, Strawberry, Tempest, and Octopus have emerged, leveraging the booming infostealer market to pose significant threats to global digital security.
Infostealers as Gateways and Catalysts
Infostealers are not isolated threats; they serve as gateways to marketable commodities and catalysts for emerging cyber threats. Understanding their role in this ecosystem is vital for the cybersecurity community.
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In the next sections, we will explore real-world examples of infostealers and the threats they enable, along with strategies and solutions for countering this evolving landscape of cyber threats.
Building reliable threat intelligence against infostealer threats
Chapter 3:Â
RedLine Malware – A Closer Look
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