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Persisting Threat of Infostealer Continues Despite Inquiries about Data Leaks

Major tech giants, including Apple, Google, and Facebook, have had 16 billion login details exposed in a recent Cybernews report.

Persisting Infostealer Threat Lingers Amid Uncertainties Surrounding Data Violations
Persisting Infostealer Threat Lingers Amid Uncertainties Surrounding Data Violations

Persisting Threat of Infostealer Continues Despite Inquiries about Data Leaks

In a recent discovery, it has been revealed that the infostealer malware data breach did not primarily involve newly compromised credentials. Instead, the data appears to be a compilation of previously leaked credentials that were aggregated by the malware[1][4].

Infostealers are known for their stealthy methods of harvesting sensitive data such as login credentials, banking information, OTPs, and more[1][3]. They often combine newly stolen data with previously leaked credentials to increase their value and impact. While the specifics of the compilation nature of the credentials from the recent breach are not extensively detailed, the general modus operandi of infostealers supports this finding[1][3][4].

Infostealers commonly collect data from multiple sources, including old breaches, to create a vast trove of stolen information. This trove of personal information, even if mostly old, serves as a stark reminder of the persistent threat posed by infostealers[5].

Last year, an infostealer-driven breach at cloud storage company Snowflake resulted in the theft of data from more than 150 companies[2]. The recent findings underscore the increasing prevalence of infostealer attacks[6].

Financial institutions are recognising the importance of sharing accurate data on threats to combat infostealer attacks[7]. In fact, approximately 75% of the 3.2 billion credentials stolen last year were obtained through infostealer malware[6].

It's important to note that while the recent discovery involves a compilation of previously leaked credentials, it still poses a significant risk to individuals and businesses. Users are advised to regularly update their passwords, enable multi-factor authentication, and be vigilant about the security of their online accounts.

References:

  1. BleepingComputer
  2. Cyberscoop
  3. Cybernews
  4. Kaspersky
  5. Forbes
  6. TechCrunch
  7. ZDNet
  8. The increase in infostealer attacks is a growing concern in the banking-and-insurance, finance, and fintech industries, as they are prime targets for cybercriminals looking to steal sensitive data.
  9. The recent data breach highlights the importance of data-and-cloud-computing security in the tech industry, as infostealers are known to organize stolen information in the cloud to maximize their profits.
  10. Given the prevalence of infostealer malware in stealing credentials, it's essential for companies across various industries to collaborate and share accurate data on threats to better protect themselves and their customers.

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