Unfortunately, the Internet is swarming with information-stealing malware that most often goes undetected by users. How bypass Kaspersky video The result is that private and sensitive information is being captured and transferred into the hands of criminals who take advantage of innocent people for financial gain.

According to Fireeye Malware Research Lab's research, the strongest type of malware today are categorized as "information stealers". "Information stealers" are a type of malware that seeks to steal any kind of information from the source and transfer that information to the target. These malicious agents steal anything from personal login credentials to confidential financial account records, and use that stolen information for some type of financial gain.

Fireeye Research reports that this specific type of malware accounts for about 20% of all infected computers worldwide. The most prevalent "information stealing" malware known today is the "Butterfly/Palevo" malware. This software attempts to "worm" its way through networks to avoid detection by top rated anti-malware and anti-spyware. The Butterfly/Palevo malware is so evasive that Fireeye estimates that it is found on 7.5% of all infected computers.

How do you get infected with this type of malware? For example, the W32.Pilleuz variant of the Mariposa/Butterfly Bot Kit is a worm that spreads through file-sharing programs, Microsoft instant messaging clients and removable drives. Specifically, an instant messenger user may get a message from a "friend" and then a request to transfer a miniature game file "snatch.exe". This "friend" is actually the malware itself using a form of social networking, stealth processing, and simple distraction. The Butterfly/Palevo malware worm attempts to distract the user in a simple conversation while the malware is busy opening a back door to transfer the user's instant messaging contact list back to "home base".

The Butterfly worm began years ago but variants constantly surface. The stealthy nature of this worm allows it to stay under the radar of top rated anti-malware programs.

Back in 2009, the Butterfly/Palevo information stealer/worm was behind the Mariposa threat. Since then, authorities in Spain have arrested alleged key members of this malicious robotic worm. Even though the alleged creators have been stopped, the threat itself is still penetrating and propagating through instant messenger networks to this day.

The "Butterfly/Palevo" malware worm is only one variant of "information stealing" malware. Some other popular malware that steals information are "Zbot/Zeus", "Onlinegames", "Buzus" and "Ldpinch".