Kaspersky, the renowned Russian cybersecurity firm, has officially announced its collaboration with Interpol to tackle the growing threat of infostealer cyberattacks. This initiative is part of the broader Operation Secure campaign, aimed at securing online devices and protecting users from the dangerous world of cybercrime.
In a recent update, Kaspersky revealed that law enforcement agencies from over 26 countries are now actively engaged in the operation, which is supported by a coalition of 39 private tech and non-tech companies. As part of this global effort, authorities have already arrested more than 30 suspects connected to infostealer crimes, and seized control of over 20,000 malicious IP addresses and domains.
What is Infostealer Malware?
At its core, infostealer malware is a type of malicious software designed to steal sensitive user information, which is then transmitted to remote servers operated by cybercriminals. This stolen data often includes financial details, personal contact information, login credentials, and much more. Once harvested, cybercriminals can either sell this information on the dark web or use it for social engineering attacks, further compromising victims’ security.
According to the Kaspersky Digital Footprint Intelligence Team, between 2023 and 2024, a staggering 26 million Windows-based devices were infected by infostealer malware. Alarmingly, every 14th infection resulted in the theft of credit card data, making these attacks not only a privacy breach but also a significant financial threat to users worldwide.
Interpol’s Role in ‘Operation Secure’
Launched in January 2025, Operation Secure has already delivered impressive results. Interpol’s operation has successfully targeted and secured servers that were instrumental in spreading infostealer malware across the globe. As part of this crackdown, law enforcement agencies have seized control of 29 command-and-control centers and shut down several distribution networks used by cybercriminals to distribute the malware.
Following the campaign’s launch, approximately 216,000 victims across the globe were notified that their devices had been infected with various infostealer variants. These individuals were urged to take immediate actions to mitigate the risks, including changing passwords, closing compromised accounts, and removing any unauthorized access from their devices.
Key Arrests and Global Crackdown
The global collaboration between Interpol and various law enforcement agencies has led to significant arrests and raids in several countries. Notably, suspects from Sri Lanka and Nauru were apprehended, while 38 homes in Vietnam were raided as part of efforts to seize critical servers and related documentation.
In an impressive operation in Hong Kong, police, acting on tips from Interpol, successfully took control of over 117 command-and-control centers, significantly disrupting the cybercriminal network. Additionally, services from 89 ISPs (Internet Service Providers) were terminated to curb further distribution of the malware.
The Need for More Coordinated Cybersecurity Initiatives
While Operation Secure marks a significant victory in the fight against infostealer malware, the need for continued global collaboration in the fight against cybercrime remains paramount. Kaspersky and Interpol have both emphasized that more initiatives like this are needed to effectively combat the increasing threat posed by cybercriminals.
By fostering stronger international cooperation, law enforcement agencies and private organizations can work together to bring down cybercrime rates and protect users from the ever-evolving landscape of digital threats. If governments and tech companies continue to work hand-in-hand, cybersecurity could see substantial improvements, potentially leading to a global reduction in cybercrime activities.
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