Mystic Stealer malware

Damage potential: Data theft and exfiltration, espionage and surveillance, installation of additional malware, system manipulation and control, further propagation and spreading to other devices.

Overview

Mystic Stealer is a new malware family that emerged in April 2023. It’s an infostealer designed to target a wide range of data from 40 web browsers, over 70 browser extensions, and various cryptocurrency wallets. Mystic Stealer stealthiness must also be mentioned, as the malware can operate in device memory and evade standard antivirus detection.

Possible symptoms

Mystic Stealer is a sophisticated infostealer that is difficult to detect. Some of its potential symptoms include:

• Unexpected browser behavior. This malware can install extensions, change your homepage, or redirect your queries.
• System performance issues. Most malware can impact system performance, increase loading times, or cause crashes.
• Disabled antivirus. Mystic Stealer can disable antivirus and anti-malware programs to help it avoid detection.

Sources of the infection

Common methods to spread the Mystic Stealer malware include:

• Phishing, or sending messages via email and social media that contain malicious files or attachments.
• Malicious downloads like software updates and shady apps that the attackers try to make look legitimate.
• Spoofed websites, or copycat websites, that look like the real deal, designed to steal the credentials the user enters.
• Malvertising, which is embedding malicious code in online advertisements.

Protection

Protecting your device from the Mystic Stealer malware involves common sense and some proactive security measures. Keep in mind that this malware often targets financial information, so securing your banking and cryptocurrency accounts with extra security measures is critical.

Protecting yourself means paying attention to cybersecurity in everyday situations, such as emails with unsolicited links and offers that sound too good to be true. You can also use NordVPN’s Threat Protection. It’s a security feature that blocks malicious websites and scans files for malware before they’re downloaded to your device.

Mystic Stealer malware removal

If you suspect that your device has been infected with Mystic Stealer malware, the first course of action is to immediately disconnect it from the internet. Then, make sure to check your banking and cryptocurrency accounts and change all your passwords. To remove the malware, update your antivirus software and run a deep scan of your device.