Remember that game cheat file you downloaded from a suspicious-looking website? It might not have been a legitimate file. You may have infected your computer with an infostealer malware. According to a report from Kaspersky, you are not alone in this. The cybersecurity company has revealed about 26 million devices worldwide whose bank data might have been compromised by this malware.
The report reveals that 2.3 million bank cards leaked onto the dark web, posing a serious financial risk to victims. While 2.3 million bank cards are a lot, Kaspersky says this represents less than 1% of the total number of global bank cards. However, even though it is less than 1%, a staggering 95% of those stolen were still technically valid.
It is also estimated that every 14th info stealer infection successfully steals a bank card. With malware, bank data, and 26 million devices at risk, cybersecurity threats have never been more urgent.
What is infostealer malware?
Infostealer malware is a type of malware designed to steal credentials, financial data, and other sensitive information from infected devices. Unlike traditional viruses, these malicious programs focus on stealing login details, banking credentials, and cryptocurrency wallets. Some of the most notorious infostealer malware strains include Redline, RisePro, and Stealc. Cybercriminals have actively used these to harvest user data over the years.
These infostealers often masquerade as legitimate software, such as game cheats, cracked software, or even productivity tools. They can be spread through phishing links and malicious email attachments. This makes them particularly dangerous for unsuspecting users. Once installed, they extract data and send it back to their operators, who then sell or exploit the information for financial gain.
How to protect yourself
To protect yourself against these threats, the simplest way is to avoid downloading files from suspicious websites or clicking links from emails from unknown senders. You should also monitor your bank accounts and credit card statements regularly. This can help detect suspicious activity before it’s too late.
If you notice suspicious transactions, blocking and canceling compromised cards immediately is crucial. Additionally, you should enable two-factor authentication (2FA) on all financial accounts where possible. This adds an extra layer of security against unauthorized access.
Another way of protecting yourself is to set spending limits for online transactions. Lastly, if you suspect something is amiss, run regular security scans using reputable antivirus software on your device. Given the widespread impact of infostealer malware on bank data, with 26 million compromised devices, staying vigilant online is more critical than ever.
