Infostealer Malware: Protect Your Data from Cyber Threats

The Infostealer Epidemic: Your Passwords Are at Risk

Cybercriminals are no longer solely focused on large corporations and high-profile targets. They’ve expanded their reach to include everyone, and they’re using infostealer malware to do it. These sneaky programs quietly steal passwords, browser data, and login tokens from everyday devices, posing a significant threat to individuals and organizations alike.

A recent report highlights the alarming growth of this problem, revealing a staggering 500% increase in infostealer activity in just one year. This surge has resulted in the harvesting of over 1.7 billion fresh credentials, indicating the scale and severity of the threat.

In 2024, cybersecurity researchers at Fortinet observed a dramatic increase in stolen login data being traded on the dark web. This data wasn’t from old breaches; it was harvested directly from active infections on users’ devices, demonstrating the effectiveness and prevalence of infostealer malware.

Infostealers are designed specifically to extract sensitive information from infected devices. They target usernames, passwords, browser cookies, email logins, crypto wallets, and session tokens. Unlike large-scale data breaches that target centralized databases, infostealers operate on individual machines, compromising the end user without their knowledge.

These compromised logs are then aggregated and sold by initial access brokers, acting as intermediaries who sell credentials and access tokens to other cybercriminal groups, including ransomware operators. The market has matured to the point where access to corporate VPNs, admin dashboards, and personal bank accounts can be purchased at scale, with verified functionality and region-specific pricing. This commoditization of stolen credentials makes it easier for criminals to launch attacks and profit from their malicious activities.

Fortinet’s 2025 Global Threat Landscape Report identified a 500% increase in credential logs from infostealer infections over the past year. The report highlighted RedLine, Vidar, and Raccoon as some of the most widespread and dangerous infostealers currently in circulation. These programs are constantly evolving, making them increasingly difficult to detect and remove.

Infostealers are typically distributed through various deceptive methods, including phishing emails, malicious browser extensions, fake software installers, and cracked applications. Once installed on a device, they scan browser databases, autofill records, saved passwords, and local files for any credential-related data. Many also search for digital wallets, FTP credentials, and cloud service logins, expanding their reach to capture as much sensitive information as possible.

A particularly concerning aspect of infostealer malware is its ability to exfiltrate session tokens and authentication cookies. This means that even users who rely on multifactor authentication (2FA) are not entirely safe. With a stolen session token, an attacker can bypass 2FA entirely and assume control of the session without ever needing to log in manually. This bypasses a critical security measure designed to protect accounts, making it easier for attackers to gain unauthorized access.

Once collected, the data is uploaded to a command and control server. From there, it’s either used directly by attackers or bundled into logs and sold on forums. These logs can include the victim’s IP address, geolocation, browser fingerprint, and full credential list, providing attackers with everything they need to carry out further exploitation or impersonation. This comprehensive data package enables attackers to launch targeted attacks and steal identities with alarming ease.

Protecting your data from the growing threat of infostealer malware requires a combination of smart security habits and reliable tools. Here are five effective ways to keep your information safe:

1. Use a password manager: Many infostealers target saved passwords in web browsers. Instead of relying on your browser to store credentials, use a dedicated password manager. Password managers offer a secure and convenient way to store and manage your passwords, reducing the risk of them being stolen by malware. They also often include features like password generators and data breach scanners.

2. Enable two-factor authentication (2FA): Even if your credentials are stolen, 2FA adds an extra layer of security by requiring a second form of verification, such as a code from an authentication app or biometric confirmation. Cybercriminals rely on stolen usernames and passwords to break into accounts, but with 2FA enabled, they cannot gain access without the additional security step. Make sure to enable 2FA on important accounts like email, banking, and work-related logins.

3. Use strong antivirus software and be cautious with downloads and links: Infostealer malware often spreads through malicious downloads, phishing emails, and fake websites. Avoid downloading software or files from untrusted sources and always double-check links before clicking them. Attackers disguise malware as legitimate software, game cheats, or cracked applications, so it is best to stick to official websites and app stores for downloads. Strong antivirus software can also alert you to phishing emails and ransomware scams, keeping your personal information and digital assets safe.

4. Keep software updated: Cybercriminals exploit outdated software to deliver malware. Keeping your operating system, browsers, and security software up to date ensures that known vulnerabilities are patched. Enable automatic updates whenever possible and install reputable antivirus or endpoint protection software that can detect and block infostealer threats before they compromise your system.

5. Consider a personal data removal service: These services can help remove your personal information from data broker sites, reducing your risk of identity theft, spam, and targeted scams. While no service can guarantee the complete removal of your data from the internet, a data removal service can significantly reduce your online footprint. By limiting the information available, you reduce the risk of scammers cross-referencing data from breaches with information they might find on the dark web, making it harder for them to target you.

The 1.7 billion passwords leaked in 2024 are not a relic of past breaches. They’re evidence of an evolving, industrialized cybercrime economy built on the backs of unsuspecting users and quietly infected devices. The tools are cheap, the scale is massive, and the impact is personal. If you’ve ever saved a password in a browser, downloaded an unofficial app, or clicked a link in a sketchy email, your credentials may already be in circulation.

It’s crucial to take proactive steps to protect your data and minimize your risk of becoming a victim of infostealer malware. By adopting strong security practices and utilizing reliable security tools, you can significantly reduce your vulnerability to these evolving cyber threats. The responsibility for protecting personal and organizational data falls on a shared model. Individual users need to be more aware and proactive about their online security. Companies should invest in robust security infrastructure and employee training. Software providers need to prioritize security in their development processes. Government agencies should establish clear guidelines and regulations to promote cybersecurity best practices.

By working together, we can combat the infostealer epidemic and create a safer online environment for everyone.