Now, the threat landscape has seen a shift in infostealers incorporating ransomware elements and even leveraging Malware-as-a-Service (MaaS) models on the dark web. This transformation highlights an ongoing challenge for cybersecurity professionals who must continually refine their defense strategies to effectively counter these dynamic and evolving threats.
💡 After cybercriminals obtain sensitive data through infostealers, they frequently sell it on underground markets hosted on the dark web. These markets serve as hubs for trading illicit goods and services, including stolen data.
Thus, deep and dark web monitoring is a crucial aspect of comprehensive cybersecurity measures.
By remaining vigilant and proactive, you can better defend against the threats posed by infostealers and safeguard your valuable assets and data.
From experimental viruses to commercially driven tools
Infostealer malware can originate from various sources, with the dark web being a prominent breeding ground for such threats. Cybercriminals often acquire or trade these malware variants on underground forums and marketplaces.
Malware is typically distributed through social engineering methods, often exploiting phishing emails, malicious attachments, or compromised websites. After infiltrating a victim’s device, the malware discreetly extracts sensitive data, including login credentials and financial information.
This forms a stealer log: a detailed record created by infostealer malware. It keeps track of all the info the malware exfiltrates, such as usernames, passwords, and credit card numbers. This log helps the cybercriminals understand what they've taken.
Bad actors may monetize stolen data by trading or selling it on channels like the dark web or Telegram. Illicit marketplaces facilitate the trade of stolen information, allowing cybercriminals to profit from the data they have acquired.
Bad actors may also use stolen data for secondary criminal activities. The stolen data may be used for identity theft, fraudulent financial transactions, or other criminal endeavors, amplifying the impact of the initial breach.
Consequences may include:
- Data Breaches
Infostealer malware extracts sensitive information, compromising confidentiality and causing harm to individuals and organizations. In 2024, the Have I Been Pwned (HIBP) database saw over 70 million new and unique compromised credentials added as part of the Naz.API dataset.
- Fraudulent Activities
Stolen data, including login credentials and financial information, enables cybercriminals to engage in unauthorized transactions, identity theft, and financial fraud.
- Regulatory and Legal Consequences
Infostealer attacks can lead to regulatory scrutiny and legal fines for organizations failing to protect sensitive data, damaging both finances and reputation.
- Reputational Damage and Operational Disruption
Data breaches from infostealer attacks result in severe reputational damage, eroding trust with customers and stakeholders, while also causing disruptions in normal business operations.
For instance, the Ducktail Infostealer, which targeted Facebook business accounts, managed to exfiltrate information like payment cycles and amounts spent. The perpetrator was possibly being driven by financial gain. The accounts were then used for fraudulent advertising, which led to the loss of the victim company's money, and to blackmail or smear other companies.
Here's why the rise of infostealers results in the need for deep and dark web monitoring:
Spot data leakage early
Infostealer malware extracts sensitive information, compromising confidentiality and causing harm to individuals and organizations. Keeping an eye on the deep and dark web helps organizations catch instances where stolen information acquired by infostealers is being advertised or sold.By actively monitoring the deep and dark web, organizations can catch signs of compromise related to infostealers. This allows them to respond swiftly to potential breaches, minimizing the impact before significant harm is done.
Understand threat actor tactics
Deep and dark web monitoring offers insights into the methods used by threat actors, including those distributing infostealers. If you could assign malware variants to certain advanced persistent threats and backers, you might be able to narrow down the threat and figure out what they are after next. This knowledge is important for developing effective cybersecurity strategies and defenses.3. Improve your incident responseIf a data breach occurs due to infostealers, deep and dark web monitoring can assist in investigating and attributing the attack. For instance, you would respond more effectively if you knew the device affected, the type of infostealer or infected file. This can also help you trace stolen data back to its source, facilitating appropriate legal or technical action.
Improve your incident response
If a data breach occurs due to infostealers, deep and dark web monitoring can assist in investigating and attributing the attack. For instance, you would respond more effectively if you knew the device affected, the type of infostealer or infected file. This can also help you trace stolen data back to its source, facilitating appropriate legal or technical action.
Safeguard your brand
Data breaches resulting from infostealers can lead to financial losses and reputational damage from the exposure of sensitive assets and secrets. Actively monitoring channels like the deep and dark web or Telegram channels can help early detection and relevant action when credential leaks happen. This will enable you to proactively secure your employees’ confidential data or customers’ personal data.
