News Hackers: Thousands of Hackers' Real Identities Exposed by Info-Stealers

In a surprising twist, the very tools hackers use to steal information have turned against them. This article delves into the recent revelation that thousands of hackers’ real identities were exposed by info-stealers, the malware they often use against their victims.

What are Info-Stealers?

Info-stealers are malicious software designed to extract sensitive information from compromised systems. These tools are frequently employed by cybercriminals to gather personal data, which is then often traded on the dark web. The irony is that these very tools have now exposed the identities of thousands of hackers.

Top 10 Frequently Asked Questions about Info-Stealers and Hackers

What is an info-stealer?
How do info-stealers work?
Why do hackers use info-stealers?
How were hackers’ identities exposed by their own tools?
What kind of information was revealed about the hackers?
Which forums were the hackers associated with?
How can individuals protect themselves from info-stealers?
What is the dark web’s role in all of this?
Are there any notable malware variants that hackers prefer?
What has been the trend in info-stealer infections over the years?

1. What is an info-stealer?

An info-stealer is a type of malware designed to extract sensitive information from infected systems. This can include personal details, login credentials, financial data, and more. Cybercriminals deploy these tools to gather data, which they can then use for various malicious purposes, such as identity theft, financial fraud, or selling on the dark web.

2. How do info-stealers work?

Info-stealers operate by infiltrating a system, often without the user’s knowledge. Once installed, they scan the system for specific types of information, such as saved passwords, banking details, or personal documents. This data is then transmitted back to the hacker or stored in a location where the hacker can later retrieve it.

3. Why do hackers use info-stealers?

Hackers use info-stealers as they provide a relatively easy way to obtain valuable information. This data can be used for various malicious activities, including identity theft, financial fraud, or even blackmail. Additionally, the stolen information can be sold on the dark web, providing hackers with a source of income.

4. How were hackers’ identities exposed by their own tools?

In a recent investigation, researchers at the Israeli cyberintelligence company Hudson Rock analyzed a database containing about 14.5 million devices infected with info-stealing malware. They discovered that approximately 120,000 of these devices had credentials linked to cybercrime forums, inadvertently revealing the hackers’ real identities.

5. What kind of information was revealed about the hackers?

The data retrieved by the info-stealers provided a wealth of information about the hackers. This included details such as their usernames, email addresses, real names, phone numbers, physical addresses, IP addresses, and more. This comprehensive data set effectively exposed the hackers’ real-world identities.

6. Which forums were the hackers associated with?

A significant number of the compromised devices had credentials linked to a specific cybercrime forum, Nulled[.]to. This platform is a marketplace where cybercriminals trade hacking tools, stolen data, and other illicit items. Hudson Rock also found credentials linked to other cybercrime forums, including Cracked[.]io, Hackforums[.]net, Leak[.]sx, Nulled[.]bb, and Raidforums[.]com.

7. How can individuals protect themselves from info-stealers?

To safeguard against info-stealers and other malicious software, individuals should use reputable antivirus software with real-time protection. Regularly updating software and operating systems, avoiding suspicious email attachments or links, and being cautious about downloading files from untrusted sources can also help in protection. Additionally, investing in dark web monitoring can alert users if their data appears on cybercrime forums.

8. What is the dark web’s role in all of this?

The dark web is a part of the internet that is not indexed by traditional search engines. It’s a haven for illegal activities, including the sale of stolen data. Hackers often trade the information they obtain from info-stealers on the dark web, making it a central hub for cybercriminal activities.

9. Are there any notable malware variants that hackers prefer?

Yes, a significant portion of info-stealer infections can be attributed to malware variants like Redline, followed by Raccoon and Azorult. These are among the top malware that cybercriminals utilize to extract personal information from their targets.

10. What has been the trend in info-stealer infections over the years?

The trend of info-stealer infections has witnessed a staggering 6000% surge since 2018. This makes them the primary initial attack vector that threat actors use to infiltrate organizations and launch various cyberattacks.

Summary

Key Points	Details
Info-Stealers	Malware designed to extract sensitive information
Exposure of Hackers	Info-stealers revealed the real identities of thousands of hackers
Data Retrieved	Usernames, email addresses, real names, phone numbers, and more
Associated Forums	Nulled[.]to, Cracked[.]io, Hackforums[.]net, and others
Protection	Use antivirus software, update regularly, and invest in dark web monitoring

FAQ

What are info-stealers?

Info-stealers are malicious software designed to extract sensitive information from compromised systems.

How did hackers get exposed by their own tools?

Researchers found that devices infected with info-stealers had credentials linked to cybercrime forums, revealing the hackers’ identities.

Which forums were these hackers associated with?

Forums like Nulled[.]to, Cracked[.]io, Hackforums[.]net, and others.

How can one protect themselves from info-stealers?

Use reputable antivirus software, update software regularly, and consider dark web monitoring.

What role does the dark web play in this scenario?

The dark web is a hub for illegal activities, including the sale of stolen data obtained by info-stealers.

Are there specific malware variants that hackers prefer for stealing information?

Yes, malware like Redline, Raccoon, and Azorult are among the top choices.

Has there been an increase in info-stealer infections?

Yes, there has been a 6000% surge in info-stealer infections since 2018.

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