Infostealers-as-a-Service

Introduction

Cybercrime has gone mainstream. You no longer need to be a hacker to steal credentials or sensitive data. With the rise of Infostealers-as-a-Service (IaaS), threat actors are renting access to malware that can automatically extract data from browsers, email clients, crypto wallets, and more. This business model is changing the game and not in our favor.

What Are Infostealers?

Infostealers are a type of malware designed to silently extract sensitive data from infected systems. This includes:
    - Saved passwords from browsers.
    - Autofill form data.
    - Cookies and session tokens.
    - Cryptocurrency wallet data.
    - FTP credentials and VPN configs.
The “as-a-service” twist means that developers build these tools and rent or sell them to others via underground forums.

Popular Infostealers

 a. RedLine Stealer
   - One of the most widespread, targeting browsers and FTP clients through cracked software and phishing campaigns.
   👉Read more at welivesecurity
b.  Vidar
   - Known for targeting crypto wallets and secure communications operating as malware-as-a-service (MaaS), allowing cybercriminals to purchase and deploy it easily.
   👉Read more at SECURITYWEEK
c. Raccoon Stealer 2.0
   - Recently re-emerged with a new infrastructure after a major takedown in 2022 with enhanced capabilities for stealing a wide array of sensitive data.
   👉Read more at The Hacker News

Why IaaS is Dangerous

a. Low Barrier to Entry
   - Anyone with crypto and a Telegram account can rent malware and launch an attack.
b. Scale
   - These tools are capable of stealing thousands of credentials in one campaign.
c. Resale Market
 - Stolen credentials are sold in bulk on dark web marketplaces, fueling identity theft, fraud, and espionage.

Mitigation Strategies

1. Use Endpoint Protection: Deploy EDR solutions that detect and stop infostealers in real-time.
2. Limit Browser Data Storage: Discourage saving passwords in browsers; use secure password managers instead.
3. Monitor Dark Web: Continuously scan for leaked credentials and take prompt action.
4. Patch Regularly: Many infostealers rely on exploiting unpatched software to gain access.

Conclusion

Infostealers-as-a-Service is a brutal reminder that cybercrime is evolving into a business. Organizations need to respond with business-grade defenses. Don’t wait until credentials from your network show up for sale. Act now.