Infostealers: An Early Indicator of Ransomware Attacks

Cybersecurity experts are beginning to notice a recurring pattern: many companies that fall victim to ransomware attacks first experience infections from infostealers. These malicious tools are designed to siphon sensitive information from systems, but they might also serve as an early warning for defenders, providing the opportunity to act before a full-scale ransomware attack occurs.

In this blog, we’ll explore the relationship between infostealers and ransomware, and discuss how organizations can use this information to fortify their defenses.

Infostealers as a Precursor to Ransomware Attacks

Ransomware attacks typically succeed when they catch organizations off guard. Attackers use this element of surprise to encrypt critical data and demand ransoms. If companies anticipate such attacks, they can better defend themselves by backing up critical information, strengthening encryption protocols, and tightening access controls.

Interestingly, nearly a third of ransomware incidents are preceded by infostealer infections, as noted by several industry reports. Infostealers, like RedLine, Qakbot, and Raccoon, are often deployed weeks or even months before the actual ransomware attack. They quietly collect credentials, authentication cookies, and other sensitive data from compromised systems, providing attackers with the keys they need to penetrate deeper into the network.

The Role of Initial Access Brokers (IABs) in Ransomware Campaigns

Initial Access Brokers (IABs) play a significant role in facilitating ransomware attacks. They specialize in gaining unauthorized access to networks, often through infostealer malware. Once they’ve obtained this access, they sell it to ransomware groups or other malicious actors. This partnership between IABs and ransomware operators allows each party to focus on their area of expertise—infostealers provide the initial entry, and ransomware operators execute the final attack.

In some cases, organizations may notice unusual activity, such as the deployment of infostealers or credential theft. Unfortunately, it’s often unclear whether these signs indicate an impending ransomware attack or another form of cybercrime. For instance, while high-profile groups like the Qilin ransomware gang are known to deploy custom infostealers before launching ransomware attacks, the same tactics may be used for cryptocurrency theft or other forms of financial fraud.

Infostealers as an Early Warning System for Cyber Defenders

The critical question remains: Can cyber defenders use the presence of infostealers as an early warning system to preempt ransomware attacks?

While there’s no guaranteed formula for predicting when a ransomware attack might follow an infostealer infection, the correlation between the two events suggests a heightened risk. Organizations that detect infostealers on their networks should act swiftly. At a minimum, this means conducting a thorough digital footprint analysis, monitoring the dark web for stolen credentials, resetting compromised authentication tokens, and reissuing API keys. These steps, while not foolproof, can significantly reduce the risk of a ransomware attack.

Sophisticated cybersecurity solutions, such as dark web surveillance and compromised data tracking services, can help organizations monitor for these early signs. Companies like Foresiet offer brand protection and online risk evaluation services that provide real-time insights into digital threats, including the presence of infostealers. Leveraging such tools allows organizations to act decisively when these threats are detected, mitigating the risk of full-scale ransomware incidents.

Mitigating the Risk: Best Practices for Cyber Defense

The presence of infostealers in a network should never be taken lightly. Here are a few recommended actions to mitigate the risks:

Conclusion

Infostealers can be seen as a canary in the coal mine for ransomware attacks. While their presence doesn’t always guarantee a ransomware incident, the correlation is strong enough to warrant immediate action. Companies that detect infostealers on their network should take swift steps to remediate the threat, secure compromised credentials, and fortify their systems against further attacks.

In today’s complex cyber threat landscape, early detection and proactive defense measures are key to protecting your organization from ransomware and other cyberattacks. By leveraging cutting-edge cybersecurity tools and closely monitoring your digital environment, organizations can reduce the likelihood of being caught off guard and successfully mitigate the risk of ransomware attacks.

About Foresiet!

Foresiet is the pioneering force in digital security solutions, offering the first integrated Digital Risk Protection SaaS platform. With 24x7x365 dark web monitoring and proactive threat intelligence, Foresiet safeguards against data breaches and intellectual property theft. Our robust suite includes brand protection, takedown services, and supply chain assessment, enhancing your organization's defense mechanisms. Attack surface management is a key component of our approach, ensuring comprehensive protection across all vulnerable points. Compliance is assured through adherence to ISO27001, NIST, GDPR, PCI, SOX, HIPAA, SAMA, CITC, and Third Party regulations. Additionally, our advanced antiphishing shield provides unparalleled protection against malicious emails. Trust Foresiet to empower your organization to navigate the digital landscape securely and confidently.