The Booming Infostealer Malware Economy: Are You a Target?

Infostealer malware is rapidly emerging as one of the most significant cybersecurity threats in today’s digital landscape. This malicious software, designed to pilfer sensitive information from unsuspecting users, comes in various forms and under a multitude of names. Disturbingly, some infostealers are even offered as subscription-based services, where cybercriminals pay monthly fees for the privilege of using these tools to execute their scams. The infostealer market is thriving, and a recent report from Kaspersky paints a concerning picture: at least 25 million users were targeted by this type of malware between the beginning of 2023 and the end of 2024.

The primary function of infostealers is to capture any data of value, including bank card details, passwords, and even personal media. A newly released report from Kaspersky Digital Footprint Intelligence reveals the stark reality that nearly 26 million devices were compromised by infostealer malware throughout 2023 and 2024. Adding to the gravity of the situation, over 2 million unique bank card details were exposed during this period. Perhaps the most alarming statistic is that approximately one in every 14 infections resulted in the theft of bank card data. The damage doesn’t stop there; passwords, second-factor authentication cookies, and other sensitive credentials were also compromised, leaving users vulnerable to identity theft and financial fraud.

Kaspersky analysts have observed a significant increase in infections throughout 2024, largely driven by the proliferation of specific malware strains. For example, RisePro, which accounted for a mere 1.4% of infections in 2023, saw a dramatic surge to 22.45% in 2024. Similarly, Stealc, a relatively new threat first identified in 2023, gained considerable momentum, increasing its share from 2.65% to 13.33%. Despite the rise of these emerging threats, Redline remains the most widespread infostealer, responsible for a staggering 34.36% of all infections. This highlights the persistent danger posed by well-established malware families, even as new threats emerge.

Data collected by researchers suggests the problem is even more extensive than initially anticipated. By August 2024, initial estimates indicated that 15.9 million devices had been affected by infostealer malware in 2023. However, by March 2025, this figure had climbed to 16.49 million, exceeding earlier predictions by 3.69%. The continued appearance of new log files from 2023 on dark web platforms indicates that the actual number of infections was likely even higher than initially recorded. As of March 2025, researchers have tracked more than 9 million infections stemming from 2024. While the final count is expected to surpass the numbers from 2023, the margin is not predicted to be substantial.

Given the alarming rise in infostealer malware infections and the ever-increasing sophistication of cybercriminals, it’s imperative to take proactive steps to protect your sensitive information. Here are six effective measures you can implement to safeguard your bank cards and passwords:

1. Invest in Strong Antivirus Software: Install and regularly update comprehensive antivirus software on all your devices. This software can detect and prevent infostealer malware infections before they can compromise your system. Be sure to perform regular scans to identify and eliminate any potential threats that may have slipped through the initial defenses. The presence of antivirus software on all your devices is the best way to protect yourself from malicious links that install malware and potentially access your private information. A robust antivirus program can also alert you to phishing emails and ransomware scams, further safeguarding your personal information and digital assets.

2. Utilize Virtual Cards for Online Payments: Instead of directly using your actual bank card for online purchases, consider generating virtual cards through your bank or a dedicated service like Privacy.com. These temporary cards effectively limit exposure in the event of a data breach, as the virtual card number is unique and can be easily deactivated.

3. Enable Transaction Alerts and Spending Limits: Set up real-time alerts for all transactions on your bank cards and establish daily spending limits. This proactive measure ensures that you’ll be immediately notified of any unauthorized activity, allowing you to promptly address the situation and minimize potential losses.

4. Avoid Storing Card Details in Browsers: Infostealers often target autofill data stored in popular browsers like Chrome, Edge, and Firefox. To mitigate this risk, always decline the prompt to save payment information within your browser. Instead, opt for a secure password manager to securely store and manage your sensitive data. Additionally, consider taking advantage of additional security measures such as two-factor authentication for added protection. Emerging authentication methods, such as Face ID and Touch ID, are gradually replacing traditional passwords as a more secure means of granting access to sensitive financial information.

5. Practice Smart Password Management: While simply adhering to conventional password rules won’t guarantee complete protection against breaches, it’s still a fundamental security practice. Since you can’t know precisely what information cybercriminals are seeking, employing strong and complex passwords can significantly enhance your security posture. The recommendation is to use strong, unique passwords for each online account and to change them regularly. Furthermore, leveraging a password manager to generate and securely store these strong passwords is highly advisable.

6. Consider Personal Data Removal Services: While no service can guarantee the complete removal of your data from the internet, investing in a personal data removal service can be beneficial. These services continuously monitor and automate the process of removing your information from numerous websites over extended periods, helping to reduce your digital footprint and minimize your exposure to potential threats.

Infostealers pose a substantial threat to everyone online, and their prevalence makes them a significant concern. Because this malware often disguises itself as legitimate applications or employs social engineering tactics, it’s easy to be deceived. Even the most cautious individuals can fall victim to a carefully orchestrated campaign. The most effective way to protect yourself is to exercise caution when browsing online, downloading apps, or conducting online transactions. Implementing security tools like password managers and antivirus software can further enhance your security and simplify your digital life.

The ongoing battle against infostealer malware requires constant vigilance and proactive measures. By staying informed about the latest threats and implementing these preventative strategies, you can significantly reduce your risk of becoming a victim of these malicious attacks.