Arkei (ArkeiStealer)

Posted: December 29, 2023
from Cybersecurity Glossary
Aliases:
ArkeiStealer, Arkei Stealer, Trojan:Win32/ArkeiStealer, Trojan:MSIL/ArkeiStealer, Vidar
Platform:
Windows
Damage:
Exposure Of Personal Data, Identity Theft, Financial Fraud, Financial Loss
Risk Level:
High

Arkei is information-stealing malware designed to target Windows operating systems. This insidious threat specializes in extracting sensitive data, including passwords, browser cookies, and cryptocurrency wallets. Arkei poses a significant risk to the security and privacy of affected systems by compromising and exfiltrating valuable personal information.

Possible symptoms

  • Presence of unknown files in temporary directories of the system.
  • Unexpected changes in system settings or configurations.
  • Discrepancies in the functioning of security software.
  • Unexplained network traffic, especially to suspicious IP addresses.
  • Presence of unfamiliar processes or services in the task manager.

Sources of the infection

  • Malicious email attachments or links, often delivered through phishing campaigns.
  • Compromised or malicious websites hosting exploit kits.
  • Infected software or files downloaded from untrustworthy sources.
  • Exploitation of software vulnerabilities in the operating system or installed applications.

Overview

Arkei, also known as Arkei Stealer, represents a sophisticated form of malicious software crafted specifically to infiltrate Windows operating systems. Its primary objective is the covert extraction of sensitive information, compromising the security and privacy of affected systems.

This information-stealing malware specializes in harvesting a wide array of confidential data, including passwords, browser cookies, and cryptocurrency wallets. The exposure of such critical information opens the door to various cyber threats, ranging from identity theft to financial fraud and money loss.

Users can identify potential Arkei infections through a set of symptoms, such as the appearance of odd files in the temporary folders, unexpected changes in system settings, and discrepancies in the functioning of security software. Additionally, the presence of unfamiliar processes or services in the task manager and unexplained network traffic to suspicious IP addresses may indicate a compromised system.

The sources of Arkei infections are diverse, including malicious email attachments or links delivered through phishing campaigns, compromised websites hosting exploit kits, infected software or files downloaded from untrustworthy sources, exploitation of software vulnerabilities, and removable media carrying the malware.

If Arkei Stealer is suspected on a system, immediate action is crucial. Isolate the infected machine from the Internet to prevent further data leakage, conduct a thorough antivirus scan using Gridinsoft Anti-Malware, change all passwords, especially those related to sensitive accounts—monitor financial and personal accounts for suspicious activity, and consider notifying relevant authorities if personal information is believed to be compromised.

Preventing ArkeiStealer infections involves adopting proactive security measures. Keeping the operating system and all software up to date with the latest security patches, using a regularly updated Gridinsoft Anti-Malware, avoiding downloads from untrusted sources and exercising caution with links and email attachments are crucial steps to safeguard against this potent information-stealing malware.

🤔 What to do?

If you suspect your system is infected with ArkeiStealer, take the following steps:

  1. Disconnect the infected machine from the Internet to prevent further data leakage.
  2. Run a thorough antivirus scan using a Gridinsoft Anti-Malware to detect and remove the malware.
  3. Change all passwords, especially those related to sensitive accounts such as banking and email.
  4. Monitor your financial and personal accounts for any suspicious activity.
  5. Consider notifying relevant authorities if you believe your personal information has been compromised.

🛡️ Prevention

To prevent ArkeiStealer infections, follow these security measures:

  1. Keep your operating system and all software up to date with the latest security patches.
  2. Use a Gridinsoft Anti-Malware and keep it regularly updated.
  3. Avoid downloading and installing software or files from untrusted sources.
  4. Exercise caution when clicking on links or opening email attachments, especially from unknown or suspicious sources.

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