Infostealer Attacks Surge 84% Weekly Through Phishing Emails

The volume of infostealer malware distributed through phishing emails has surged by 84% week-on-week in 2024, according to the latest IBM X-Force report.

This sharp increase not only signals a shift in attack strategies but also underscores the growing sophistication of cyber adversaries employing new tactics to compromise data security.

Phishing as a Shadow Vector for Data Theft

Phishing emails have long been a favored tool for cybercriminals to infiltrate organizational networks, but recent developments show a pivot towards using these emails to deliver infostealers rather than traditional ransomware.

Infostealers are designed to covertly gather sensitive information such as login credentials, financial details, and personal data without the user’s knowledge.

The report highlights that attackers are increasingly leveraging legitimate-looking email attachments or deceptive links to distribute these malicious payloads.

Notably, the use of infostealers like AgentTesla, FormBook, and Strela Stealer has not only increased in frequency but also in ...