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PySilon

Category: Malware

Type: Information-stealing malware, remote access trojan (RAT)

Platform: Windows

Variants: PySilon has various iterations that target browsers, email clients, cryptocurrency wallets, and other sensitive data.

Damage potential: Steals personal, financial, and login credentials, facilitates further attacks by exfiltrating data to the attacker, and can lead to identity theft, financial fraud, and exploitation of sensitive information.

Overview

PySilon emerged in early 2023 as an advanced information-stealing malware. Since then, cybercriminal groups have been using PySilon to steal login credentials, cryptocurrency wallets, and other valuable personal and financial information. Authorities have linked PySilon to cybercrime campaigns that focus on identity theft, financial fraud, and other illegal activities.

When PySilon infects a system, it covertly gathers sensitive information from browsers, email clients, and other software. It then exfiltrates this data to its command and control (C2) servers, giving attackers access to details like usernames, passwords, and financial accounts. PySilon also has the ability to log keystrokes and capture screenshots — this way attackers may collect even more personal and financial information for malicious purposes.

Possible symptoms

PySilon can negatively impact system performance because it’s constantly collecting data and communicating with C2 servers. Symptoms of a PySilon infection include:

  • Sluggish or unresponsive system performance.
  • Unexpected system crashes or errors.
  • Unusual network activity or bandwidth spikes.
  • Unknown or suspicious processes running in Task Manager.
  • Increased CPU or memory usage.
  • Disabled or malfunctioning security software.
  • Redirection or alteration of web traffic.

Sources of the infection

Cybercriminals may use various methods to infect systems with PySilon:

  • Phishing emails. Attackers spread PySilon through phishing emails with malicious attachments or links. These emails may contain infected documents or executable files that, when opened, launch the malware and infect your device.
  • Social engineering via malicious ads. Malicious advertisements (malvertising) on legitimate websites could distribute PySilon, and you might unknowingly download it by clicking on these ads.
  • Drive-by downloads. If you visit a compromised or malicious website and interact with its content by clicking links or ads, you might unknowingly download PySilon.
  • Bundling PySilon with compromised software. Attackers may package PySilon with legitimate-looking software, updates, free downloads from untrusted sites, or pirated software. If you install these programs, PySilon gains access to your system.
  • Exploiting network vulnerabilities. Cybercriminals may exploit security flaws in outdated systems, unpatched software, or weak network configurations to inject PySilon onto a target device.
  • Infecting USBs or removable media. PySilon may spread through infected USB drives or other removable media. It automatically installs on your system once you access the device.

Protection

The best way to protect against PySilon is to stay informed about information-stealing malware and the tactics attackers use to steal your data. The most effective measures to protect against PySilon include:

  • Using antivirus and anti-malware software. Install and regularly update reliable antivirus software that includes detection of information-stealing malware.
  • Regularly updating systems and software. Keep your operating system, browsers, and all applications up to date to patch vulnerabilities.
  • Using Threat Protection Pro™. Purchase NordVPN with the advanced Threat Protection Pro™ feature, which blocks malicious sites and scans files for malware as you download them. 
  • Filtering email. Use advanced email filtering solutions to block phishing emails and malicious attachments that could deliver PySilon.
  • Avoiding suspicious links and attachments. Never click on unfamiliar links or suspicious attachments, especially from unknown senders, because they may contain malware.
  • Improving network security. Set up firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and endpoint protection to detect and block PySilon’s attempts to establish command and control connections.
  • Implementing multi-factor authentication (MFA). MFA adds an extra layer of security to your accounts that makes unauthorized access more difficult.
  • Monitoring network traffic. Use network monitoring tools to detect unusual activity that may indicate a malware infection.

Removal of PySilon

If you suspect PySilon has infected your system, immediately disconnect your device from the internet to prevent further communication with the malware’s C2 servers. Then, restart your computer in safe mode to limit PySilon’s ability to operate undetected.

Run a full system scan with reputable antivirus or anti-malware software to detect and remove PySilon. Follow the software’s recommended steps to ensure thorough malware removal. Allow the antivirus program to quarantine or delete any detected threats.

Once you have removed PySilon from your system, change all your online account passwords to strong, unique ones to secure your data. If the malware persists or you cannot fully remove it, contact a cybersecurity professional for help.