Malware designed to steal corporate information, called info-stealers, is a cyber-attack method to extract data from platforms such as instant messaging, cryptocurrency wallets, gaming services and web browsers. The stolen data is stored into archive packages called logs to be used in cyberattacks or sold on the dark web through subscription-based platforms.
Many enterprises fail to take cybersecurity seriously enough to make it a major priority. Many make the mistake of believing or assuming that breaches happen to "other companies" or large enterprises only.
But every enterprise, large or small, holds valuable data that cybercriminals seek. Whether working individually or in groups, cybercriminals can make lucrative use of even a few pieces of private data. Not only corporate financial information has value - just imagine what a group of cybercriminals can do with even a handful of corporate personnel records containing names, addresses, social security numbers, and health information!
Info-Stealer Incentives - 15 Ways Cybercriminals Can Use Stolen Corporate Credentials
Malware-as-service has become a lucrative cybercriminal enterprise. Be sure you know who you’re dealing with when transacting business online.
Here are 15 things info-stealers can do with stolen corporate credentials that can harm your business:
1. Unauthorized Access to Sensitive Data
Cybercriminals can use stolen credentials to access confidential company files, exposing sensitive information that can lead to data breaches and legal consequences.
2. Financial Fraud
Attackers can commit finance fraud by initiating unauthorized transactions, leading to monetary losses, damaged credit, and loss of stakeholder trust.
3. Corporate Espionage
Competitors or hackers may use stolen credentials to spy on business strategies, products, or intellectual property, undermining competitive advantages.
4. Business Email Compromise (BEC)
Stolen email credentials enable attackers to impersonate executives, leading to fraudulent wire transfers or compromising vendor relationships.
5. Network Penetration
Cybercriminals can use credentials to gain access to a company’s network, infiltrating deeper systems, planting malware, or disrupting operations.
6. Ransomware Deployment
Once inside, attackers can deploy ransomware, locking company data and systems until a ransom is paid, paralyzing operations and causing financial damage.
7. Social Engineering Attacks
Stolen credentials allow hackers to impersonate employees and launch more convincing phishing or social engineering attacks targeting other staff members.
8. Vendor and Client Data Exposure
Cybercriminals can use compromised credentials to access vendor or client systems, leading to third-party data breaches that damage partnerships and reputation.
9. Credential Stuffing Attacks
Hackers can use stolen credentials for credential stuffing, attempting to access other systems where employees may reuse passwords, escalating security risks.
10. IP Theft
Stolen credentials provide access to intellectual property, trade secrets, and proprietary technology, leading to competitive disadvantages or legal disputes.
11. DDoS Attack Coordination
With access to internal systems, cybercriminals can coordinate Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks that overwhelm company resources and disrupt services.
12. Unauthorized Software Installation
Attackers can install malicious software or spyware, compromising systems, stealing additional data, or using the network for further criminal activities.
13. Internal Sabotage
Stolen credentials by insider threats can be used to alter or delete important business data, disrupting operations, damaging reputation, and affecting financial stability.
14. Reputation Damage
Data breaches due to stolen credentials erode customer trust, leading to brand damage, loss of business, and challenges in restoring positive public perception.
15. Regulatory Non-Compliance
If stolen credentials lead to data leaks, the business may face hefty fines and penalties for violating data protection laws like CMMC, GDPR, or HIPAA.
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