A new malware – QuirkyLoader – has emerged, sneaking into computers through email and causing major trouble. Active since 2024, it’s now a growing concern.

As the name suggests, QuirkyLoader is a type of malware known as a loader. Essentially, it’s a delivery method for getting malware onto PCs. Once a loader establishes itself on a PC, it downloads and installs malware without your knowledge. Ophtek understands the dangers of these programs – they can steal your personal information, monitor your activity, or give hackers remote access to your PC – and it’s time you did too.

How Does QuirkyLoader Operate?

The threat actors behind QuirkyLoader are typically spreading it through spam emails. While most spam emails are readily ignored, the QuirkyLoader emails may look like they’re from a trusted or reputable source. The emails are designed to look genuine in order to trick recipients into opening them. Once opened, the recipients will usually find a file which is disguised as something harmless, such as a spreadsheet or image. However, once opened, this malicious file activates QuirkyLoader and begins downloading malware.

One notable feature of QuirkyLoader is that it uses a technique called DLL side-loading. This involves tricking your computer into running a malicious file alongside a legitimate one. In the case of QuirkyLoader, it runs a malicious .dll file alongside a .exe file to unleash its campaign of digital mayhem.

In July 2025, researchers noted that QuirkyLoader was being used in targeted attacks. So, instead of being sent to as many people as possible, QuirkyLoader was targeted at a company in Taiwan and then used to download the Snake Keylogger malware onto employees’ PCs. This enabled the hackers to steal valuable usernames, passwords, and other client data. Another attack in Mexico spread remote access tools, allowing the hackers to take control of infected PCs.

Staying Safe from the Threat of QuirkyLoader

 

QuirkyLoader – or a similar strain of malware – could easily impact your organization. Not only could this compromise you and your clients’ data, but it could also potentially damage your entire IT infrastructure. Accordingly, it’s crucial that you protect your networks and servers from this threat by practicing the following:

• Be cautious of email attachments: Always avoid opening attachments from unknown or unexpected sources. Even if the email appears to be legitimate – or from someone you know – it’s vital that you verify its authenticity before clicking on any links or attachments as email addresses can easily be spoofed or hacked to spread malware.
• Keep your software updated: Regularly updating your operating system and all your applications is one of the simplest and most effective ways to protect your PCs. All software is prone to security weaknesses, so it’s important that you install all available updates to fix any vulnerabilities and reduce the chances of malware exploiting them.
• Use reliable security software: Installing reputable security software – such as AVG and Kaspersky – is essential for keeping your IT infrastructure defended. These security tools can continuously scan your systems for threats, block malicious websites, and identify suspicious files before they’re activated. Best of all, they’re regularly updated to protect you against all the latest threats.

For more ways to secure and optimize your business technology, contact your local IT professionals.