Experts from NordStellar, EY, Assisto Technologies, Kalpataru and leading security voices reveal how dirt-cheap malware is exposing billion-dollar vulnerabilities in corporate networks.
In a digital economy built on trust, the revelation that cybercriminals can breach enterprise networks for as little as $100 should alarm every CIO. The tool making it possible? Infostealers—cheap, scalable malware that silently extracts sensitive data from compromised devices and sells it in bulk.
“Infostealers have become a preferred weapon for attackers,” says Vakaris Noreika, cybersecurity expert at NordStellar. “They’re inexpensive, efficient, and designed to cast a wide net. But when a corporate credential is caught in that net, the consequences are enormous.”
“Cybercriminals can pay as little as $100 to breach enterprises and access stolen credentials. This is a structural risk every business leader must face head-on.”
Dark Web Economics: When $1 Buys 16GB of Sensitive Data
Cybercriminals are leveraging dark web marketplaces to buy stealer logs—data bundles from infected devices. These include login credentials, cookies, credit card info, and browser histories:
$81 per week or $200 per month for subscription access
16GB of stolen personal data often sells for just $1
Corporate credentials within these logs can lead to full enterprise compromise
“If a stealer log contains a business email domain, hackers instantly know they’ve hit gold,” Noreika adds. “They can exploit those credentials to access internal systems, pivot within networks, steal IP, or even launch ransomware.”
Infostealers-as-a-Service: A DIY Kit for Digital Theft
Cybercriminals no longer need elite skills. Infostealer malware like RedLine and LummaC2 is now available as-a-service—complete with dashboards and support. Pricing ranges from a few hundred dollars to over $1,000 depending on features.
“Buyers can deploy the malware themselves and customize it for high-value targets,” says Noreika. “It’s scalable cybercrime, and enterprises are the most lucrative targets.”
“A data breach doesn’t just break systems—it exposes the culture behind them. Incident response is a strategic advantage now.”
— Amey, Director of Cyber Forensic Technology and Discovery Services, EY
Beyond IT: A Breach is a Reflection of Culture
According to Amey, Amey, Director of Cyber Forensic Technology and Discovery Services, EY, today’s breaches are as much about leadership and readiness as they are about tech:
“A data breach doesn’t just break a company—it reveals the culture it’s built on. Incident response is no longer just about damage control. It’s a differentiator. Organizations that respond smartly and swiftly build trust—and stay in business.”
Building the Right Defenses: Awareness + Architecture
Hetal Presswala, CISO at Kalpataru Limited emphasizes that prevention starts with awareness:
“Encryption, MFA, and secure access controls are critical—but only work when paired with well-trained staff and fast incident response. Real-time monitoring is your best friend.”
“We must invest in real-time detection, employee awareness, and architectural resilience. Every breach starts with a gap in culture or controls.”
— Hetal Presswala, CISO, Kalpataru Limited
Ganesh Viswanathan, President, CIO & CISO at Assisto Technologies, reinforces the urgency:
“The fact that cybercriminals can acquire vast amounts of data for so little is chilling. It underscores the need for layered defenses and an industry-wide wake-up call.”
Ganesh’s top 3 recommendations for CIOs:
Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Ensures only verified users access sensitive systems
Patch Management: Keeps systems secure against newly discovered vulnerabilities
Data Encryption: Protects critical data even if attackers gain access
“The fact that massive amounts of personal data can be bought for so little is chilling. We need urgent, industry-wide investment in proven cyber defenses.”
“These foundational controls can significantly enhance an organization’s cybersecurity posture,” Ganesh says.
Conclusion: The $100 Wake-Up Call
The gap between the cost of launching a breach and the cost of surviving one has never been wider. Enterprises that fail to recognize this imbalance risk far more than financial loss—they risk irreparable brand damage and regulatory fallout.
“Cybercriminals are innovating,” Amey warns. “Boards must demand that their security teams innovate faster.”
