Malware steals bank cards and passwords from millions of devices

The infostealer malware economy is clearly booming, and the latest evidence of that is a Kaspersky report claiming that at least 25 million users were targeted between the start of 2023 and the end of 2024. 

By August 2024, researchers estimated that 15.9 million devices had been hit by infostealer malware in 2023. But by March 2025, that number had climbed to 16.49 million, surpassing earlier predictions by 3.69%. New log files from 2023 are still popping up on dark web platforms, suggesting the actual number of infections was even higher than expected. As of March 2025, researchers have tracked more than 9 million infections from 2024. The final count is expected to surpass 2023's numbers, but not by a huge margin.

With the alarming rise in infostealer malware infections and the increasing sophistication of cybercriminals, it's crucial to take proactive measures to protect your sensitive information. Here are six effective ways to safeguard your bank cards and passwords.

2. Use virtual cards for online payments: Instead of using your actual bank card, generate virtual cards through your bank or a service like Privacy.com. These temporary cards limit exposure in case of a data breach.

3. Enable transaction alerts and spending limits: Set up real-time alerts for transactions and daily spending limits on your cards. This way, you'll be notified immediately of any unauthorized activity.

Infostealers are a major threat to everyone online, and they are also quite common. However, since this malware often disguises itself as legitimate apps or uses social engineering tricks, it's easy to get fooled. Even the most cautious individuals can fall victim to a well-executed campaign. The best way to stay safe is to exercise caution when browsing online, downloading apps or making online transactions. Using tools like a password manager and antivirus software can also help enhance security and make your life easier.

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