In this age of ever-evolving technological developments, crime pertaining to the same is also emerging at a higher scale. One of the most talked about and harsh cybercrimes are data breaches.
In today’s world, a cybercriminal is capable of stealing data and money with the help of a number of malwares, including keyloggers.
Snake Keylogger is a well-known example of this kind of malware. However, where did Snake Keylogger originate from, how did it operate, and how could you get rid of it? Here is all you need to know about Snake Keylogger.
What Is Snake Keylogger?
In order to get an idea of Snake Keylogger, let us first understand what keyloggers are in general.
Keylogger is the kind of malicious program used in logging keystrokes. If your device is infected, the keylogger will record anything you input on the keyboard, including passwords, text messages, payment information, and just about anything else. Essentially, Snake Keylogger is a modular malware program, created by using the .NET developer platform.
With this logging, the malicious operator is able to acquire access over controlling the program, it may as well be able to see what a user is typing into his or her device and even take screenshots, giving them an opportunity to steal a great heap of data.
Discovered in November 2020, it has a history of stealing credentials, clipboard data, and other types of information. Snake Keylogger, a dangerous product that may be purchased on malicious markets like hacking forums, poses a threat to both individuals and companies.
How Does Snake Keylogger Operate?
Snake Keylogger usually spreads through phishing campaigns, targeting victims with malicious mail. However, it can also be transmitted via spear phishing, where specific victims are targeted for specific goals. When a Snake Keylogger is sent to a potential victim, it is enclosed in an attachment.
Once received, the user is asked to open a DOCX file. This file may contain a macro (a computer virus), that permits the launch of Snake Keylogger. In case the recipient possesses a version of Microsoft Office with security vulnerabilities, the malware tends to exploit them and infect the device. The same could be intended for PDF readers.
The malware holds the capability of gaining access to recorded data and transferring the same to the attacker, who can exploit it further. The data can either be exploited directly (by hacking bank accounts with stolen credentials) or sell the information to other threat actors in illicit marketplaces, on the dark web.
One of the other reasons why Snake Keyloggers possess threats is their ability to evade antivirus protection, which usually stands as the first line of defense for most devices. In many cases, devices only possess antivirus as their source of protection, thus if Snake Keylogger succeeds in evading the software with no other protection in place, the targeted device could easily and quickly be infected and exploited.
How to Protect Yourself from Snake Keylogger?
To avoid Snake Keylogger, one can opt for a number of measures:
- The first is by installing antivirus software on their devices. While Snake Keylogger can sometimes avoid detection by antivirus software, it is crucial to have a reliable and efficient antivirus provider installed on your devices in order to identify keyloggers and other types of malware.
- Additionally, one must always exercise caution when opening any email attachments, particularly those from unknown or dubious senders. The distribution of malware via attachments is fairly prevalent, and Snake Keylogger is only one of many examples. Consider passing an email attachment via an attachment scanner to identify any potential risks if you ever receive one from a sender you do not fully trust.
- To avoid fraudulent emails, one should make sure to enable their email provider’s spam filter. This way, the suspicious emails will be sent to a separate folder, rather than the main inbox.
- Moreover, one must ensure to frequently update their operating systems as well as the installed apps. Since Snake Keylogger infects devices by exploiting software flaws, frequent updates will iron out these flaws, meaning cybercriminals can no longer be able to abuse the software.
