How does the stealer work?

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A stealer (from the English stealer - "thief") is a specialized program or script designed to steal confidential information from a victim's computer or device. Stealers are often used in cybercriminal activities, including carding, phishing and other types of fraud. Let's consider how a stealer works, its main functions, distribution methods and ways to protect against it.

1. The main goal of the stealer​

The stealer's goal is to automatically collect data from the infected device:

• Bank card details: Card numbers, CVV codes, expiration date.
• Accounts: Logins, passwords, browser cookies.
• Personal data: full name, address, telephone numbers.
• Cryptocurrency wallets: Private keys or seed phrases.
• Files: Documents, screen shots.

This information is then sent to the attacker for further use.

2. How does the stealer work?​

2.1. Device Infection​

The stealer gets onto the victim's device through:

• Phishing emails: Attachments or links that look harmless.
• Counterfeit programs: software disguised as legitimate (for example, "hacked" games or utilities).
• Malicious sites: Automatically download a virus when visiting a site.
• USB Drives: Infected Flash Drives.
• Social engineering: Deceiving the user to install a program.

2.2. Data collection​

Once activated, the stealer begins to collect information:

• Browsers: Retrieves saved passwords, cookies, and form autofill data.
• Cryptocurrency wallets: Copies files with private keys.
• Screenshots: Takes screenshots to analyze open windows.
• Keylogger: Records keystrokes to obtain logins and passwords.

2.3. Data Transfer​

The collected data is sent to the attacker via:

• Email: To the email specified by the creator of the stealer.
• FTP servers: For storing stolen data.
• API: Via cloud services or special platforms.
• Telegram Bots: Many modern stealers use Telegram for fast data transfer.

2.4. Removing traces​

To avoid detection, a stealer can:

• Delete yourself after completing the task.
• Disguise itself as legitimate software.
• Use encryption to hide data.

3. Types of stealers​

3.1. Bank Stealers​

• They specialize in stealing bank card data and online banking accounts.
• Example: Pony Stealer, AZORult.

3.2. Password stealers​

• Extract passwords from browsers, password managers and other applications.
• Example: LokiBot, RedLine Stealer.

3.3. Cryptocurrency Stealers​

• They target cryptocurrency wallets, seed phrases and private keys.
• Example: CryptoShuffler, Electrum Stealer.

3.4. Universal stylers​

• They collect any available data: from files to screenshots.
• Example: Raccoon Stealer, Taurus Stealer.

4. Where are stealers used?​

4.1. Carding​

• Stealers collect bank card data for subsequent fraudulent transactions.

4.2. Phishing​

• The stolen credentials are used to access victims' accounts.

4.3. Sale of data​

• Attackers sell stolen information on the black market or darknet forums.

4.4. Espionage​

• Stealers can be used to gather confidential information about competitors or companies.

5. How to protect yourself from stealers​

5.1. Antivirus software​

• Install reliable antivirus software:
  • Kaspersky, Norton, Bitdefender.
  • Update your databases regularly.

5.2. Browser Security​

• Do not save passwords and card details in your browser.
• Use password managers (eg LastPass, KeePass).

5.3. Software update​

• Update your operating system and programs regularly to patch vulnerabilities.

5.4. Be careful when downloading​

• Do not install programs from unverified sources.
• Avoid suspicious attachments in emails.

5.5. Two-factor authentication (2FA)​

• Enable 2FA for all important accounts.

5.6. Backup​

• Create backup copies of important data regularly.

5.7. Education​

• Learn about common scam techniques.
• Be wary of suspicious links or requests.

6. What to do if you become a victim of a stealer​

6.1. Checking the device​

• Scan your computer with antivirus software.
• Remove all suspicious programs.

6.2. Changing passwords​

• Change passwords for all important accounts.
• Use complex and unique combinations.

6.3. Blocking cards​

• If your card details have been stolen, block them immediately through your bank.

6.4 Notification to security services​

• Report the incident to your bank, payment systems or law enforcement agencies.

6.5. Activity Monitoring​

• Check your accounts and transactions for suspicious activity.

Conclusion​

Stealers are a powerful tool in the hands of cybercriminals, allowing them to steal sensitive information quickly and efficiently. However, most attacks can be prevented by following simple security rules: using antivirus software, being careful when browsing the Internet, and updating your software regularly.

The bottom line: Protecting yourself from stealers requires a combination of technology and awareness. Be vigilant, check your devices regularly, and don’t trust suspicious sources.