Infostealer malware might sound like a niche threat, but it’s becoming a serious concern across businesses of all sizes—especially mid-market companies that often house valuable data without extensive security resources. By quietly harvesting credentials for VPNs, email accounts, and even classified systems, infostealers open the door to more devastating attacks down the road.
What Is Infostealer Malware?
Infostealer malware is a type of malicious software specifically designed to steal sensitive information. Once it’s on your network or endpoint, it:
- Captures usernames, passwords, and tokens
- Targets browser data, email logins, and internal system credentials
- Sells stolen data on dark web markets for as little as $10
This low barrier to entry means practically any cybercriminal can buy or resell your data, turning a simple infection into a major breach.
Why Mid-Market Companies Should Worry
Mid-market organizations often assume they’re under the radar, but infostealers don’t discriminate. If you have:
- Remote employees accessing VPNs
- Cloud-based storage for sensitive data
- SaaS applications running vital services
…you’re a target. Cybercriminals know that many mid-size businesses have fewer dedicated security staff and less robust monitoring, making them easier to infiltrate than large enterprises.
Real-World Emerging Threats
Recent campaigns show how quickly infostealers adapt to exploit new opportunities:
- Chrome Browser Extension Supply Chain Attack
Infected extensions can inject infostealers directly into your browser environment. - Tusk Infostealer
This malware has been spotted gathering credentials from a variety of corporate systems. - Marko Polo Group Campaign
Targets employees through phishing to plant infostealers on devices. - APT29 (Cozy Bear)
Known for advanced threats, Cozy Bear also uses infostealers to dig deeper into compromised networks.
Common Weak Points
- Unpatched Systems
Vulnerabilities like those in Microsoft Power Pages or Palo Alto Networks PAN-OS can become entry points for malware. - Human Error
Employees unintentionally download infected files or click on malicious links. - Lax Endpoint Monitoring
Without proactive threat detection, infostealers can lurk for weeks, gathering data in the background.
How Managed XDR Helps
Managed Extended Detection and Response (XDR) goes beyond basic antivirus or firewalls. It provides:
- 24/7/365 Monitoring
Watch every endpoint, network segment, and cloud app for suspicious activity. - Rapid Response
Contain breaches quickly before stolen credentials proliferate. - Threat Intelligence
Stay ahead of the latest infostealer variants with continuous updates.
For mid-market companies especially, partnering with an XDR provider can bridge the gap between limited in-house resources and the level of protection needed to combat modern threats.
Practical Steps to Reduce Risk
- Strengthen Employee Awareness
Regular training on phishing detection, safe file handling, and secure practices. - Patch and Update
Keep software—especially known vulnerabilities—up to date. - Implement Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
Make it harder for attackers to leverage stolen credentials. - Monitor Dark Web Markets
Know if your organization’s data is being sold.
Ready to Protect Your Company?
Infostealer malware is silent but dangerous. A single stolen VPN credential can give attackers the keys to your entire network—leading to ransomware, data theft, or worse.
Don’t let small oversights become huge risks.
Contact us today to learn how our Managed Extended Detection and Response services can keep your networks, endpoints, cloud, and SaaS environments secure from emerging infostealer threats.
