Google Threat Intelligence Group (GTIG) has identified a new piece of malware called LOSTKEYS, attributed to the Russian government-backed threat group COLDRIVER (also known as UNC4057, Star Blizzard, and Callisto). LOSTKEYS is capable of stealing files from a hard-coded list of extensions and directories, along with sending system information and running processes to the attacker. Observed in January, March, and April 2025, LOSTKEYS marks a new development in the toolset of COLDRIVER, a group primarily known for credential phishing against high-profile targets like NATO governments, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and former intelligence and diplomatic officers. GTIG has been tracking COLDRIVER for many years, including their SPICA malware in 2024.
COLDRIVER typically targets high-profile individuals at their personal email addresses or at NGO addresses. They are known for stealing credentials and after gaining access to a target’s account they exfiltrate emails and steal contact lists from the compromised account. In select cases, COLDRIVER also delivers malware to target devices and may attempt to access files on the system.
Recent targets in COLDRIVER’s campaigns have included current and former advisors to Western governments and militaries, as well as journalists, think tanks, and NGOs. The group has also continued targeting individuals connected to Ukraine. We believe the primary goal of COLDRIVER’s operations is intelligence collection in support of Russia’s strategic interests. In a small number of cases, the group has been linked to hack-and-leak campaigns targeting officials in the UK and an NGO.
To safeguard at-risk users, we use our research on serious threat actors like COLDRIVER to improve the safety and security of Google’s products. We encourage potential targets to enroll in Google’s Advanced Protection Program, enable Enhanced Safe Browsing for Chrome, and ensure that all devices are updated.
Stage 1 — It Starts With A Fake CAPTCHA
LOSTKEYS is delivered at the end of a multi-step infection chain that starts with a lure website with a fake CAPTCHA on it. Once the CAPTCHA has been “verified,” PowerShell is copied to the users clipboard and the page prompts the user to execute the PowerShell via the “run” prompt in Windows: