Cracked apps carry infostealers and cryptominers, warns Barracuda

Employees seeking free versions of paid software may unknowingly install malware-laced cracked apps that can steal credentials, deploy cryptominers, or open the door to ransomware, according to Barracuda. The article notes that these apps are often not on a company’s allowed software list and may quietly install malware alongside the intended program, potentially hiding from anti‑virus until it is turned back on.

Barracuda warns that pirate and cracked software often includes malicious content that can lead to infections, credential theft, cryptomining, session hijacking, software compromise and more, with an infostealer possibly activating and then disappearing before detection.

The piece recommends preventing such incidents through user awareness, warning signs like unexpected executables in Downloads folders, and by recognising names such as Activate.exe, Activate.x86.exe and Activate.x64.exe, which typically load malware or drops for hidden payloads.

It also quotes Laila Mubashar, a senior cybersecurity analyst at Barracuda, urging organisations to protect employees from themselves and to implement safeguards, including allowing legitimate requested apps and deploying behavioural analysis for detection and blocking. Written by Kevin Townsend and dated 4 March 2026.