Kaspersky Lab Warns Users About a New Threat to Personal Computers
By Margarita Shchigareva
Kaspersky Lab has issued a warning to users about a new piece of malicious software called Stealka. This malware targets Windows PC users and is specifically designed to steal sensitive data.
“Kaspersky Lab experts discovered this new data-stealing program and named it Stealka,” the material states. The threat actors behind Stealka often disguise this stealer as popular modifications (mods) and cheats for computer games, as well as activators for various software applications.
Kaspersky noted that the malware is primarily distributed through popular platforms like GitHub or SourceForge, or via malicious websites created by attackers that are designed to mimic legitimate resources, including gaming sites. Experts added that these fake distribution pages can often appear highly convincing and trustworthy.
Once installed, Stealka silently gathers a wide range of confidential information. This theft includes login credentials, passwords, payment card details, cryptocurrency wallet information, system data, and a list of installed applications. Furthermore, the company indicated that the program is capable of taking screenshots of the computer`s screen and, in some instances, secretly downloading a cryptominer onto the compromised machine to utilize its processing power for cryptocurrency generation.
According to Kaspersky Lab data, the highest number of users affected by this Trojan have been recorded in Russia. However, attacks by the malicious program have also been detected in several other countries, including Turkey, Brazil, Germany, and India.
Earlier, Kaspersky Lab expert Mikhail Gerber identified the demographics most targeted by scammers and fraudsters. He listed children, owners of cryptocurrency, and the elderly as particularly vulnerable groups.
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