The Rise of InfoStealers
Brief:
Nearly 26 million devices have been compromised by infostealers, leading to millions of stolen bank cards being sold on the dark web.
Affected Systems:
Microsoft Windows
Google Android
What Does This Mean to Me:
Infostealer malware is designed to covertly extract sensitive information from infected devices, including financial data, login credentials, and personal details. For small businesses, such breaches can result in unauthorized financial transactions, loss of confidential business information, and potential legal liabilities if customer data is exposed.
Why This Matters for Small Businesses:
Financial Loss: Compromised bank cards can lead to unauthorized withdrawals or purchases, directly impacting a business's finances.
Data Breach Consequences: Exposure of sensitive customer or business information can damage reputation and erode customer trust.
Operational Disruptions: Addressing malware infections may require system downtime, affecting business operations and productivity.
How to Protect Your Business:
Implement Robust Security Software: Utilize reputable antivirus and anti-malware solutions to detect and prevent infections.
Regular Software Updates: Keep all systems and applications up-to-date to patch vulnerabilities that malware could exploit.
Employee Training: Educate staff on recognizing phishing attempts and safe internet practices to minimize the risk of malware introduction.
Data Backup: Maintain regular backups of critical data to ensure recovery in case of a security incident.
Network Security: Use firewalls and intrusion detection systems to monitor and protect network traffic.
Recommended Response and Countermeasures:
Endpoint Management
Training
Online Backups
Technical Support
By proactively implementing these measures, small business owners can significantly reduce the risk of infostealer malware compromising their operations. If you’ve got questions, contact me.
Prepared by:
Russell Mickler
Principal Consultant, Mickler & Associates, Inc.
rmickler@micklerandassociates.com
We help small businesses use technology better.
(360) 216-1784 | About | Schedule | Review Me | Buy Me a Coffee
