Infostealers: 5 Things You Should Know

It’s pretty easy to figure out what an infostealer is; the name says it all. But if you’re like most people, there’s plenty you don’t know about this malware. To that end, here are some facts:

1. They go after your logins. Infostealers are designed to quietly steal usernames and passwords stored in browsers or apps. Once criminals have your credentials, they can access your email, bank accounts, or social media—and sometimes sell that data to others.
2. They don’t just want passwords. Beyond logins, infostealers collect cookies, autofill data, and even cryptocurrency wallet keys. This gives attackers more than one way to hijack your identity or drain your accounts.
3. They spread in sneaky ways. Most infostealers don’t announce themselves. They often arrive through phishing emails, malicious ads, or free software downloads. In many cases, you won’t know you’ve been infected until your accounts are compromised.
4. They act fast. Unlike some malware that lingers, infosteadlers can snatch your data within minutes of infection. Cybercriminals then upload it to remote servers, making it almost impossible to get back once it’s gone.
5. Prevention really works. The best way to avoid becoming a victim is to use strong, unique passwords with multifactor authentication, keep your software updated, and avoid downloading questionable files. Security software can also catch known infostealers before they cause damage. You can further protect your Jeanne D’Arc accounts by setting up Fraud Alerts and monitoring your debit and credit card activity using Card Manager.

Infostealers might not grab headlines the way ransomware does, but for everyday users they pose a serious risk. Staying cautious about what you click, download, and store online goes a long way toward keeping your information safe.

Visit our Fraud & Theft Protection page and subscribe to the Money Mill Blog for more information and best practices to keep your data and money safe.