TinkyWinkey is a sophisticated Windows-based keylogger malware first observed in June 2025. It employs advanced techniques to maintain persistence and stealth within infected systems. The malware achieves persistence by running as a Windows service, allowing it to execute continuously across system reboots. It uses DLL injection into trusted processes, a method that enables it to hide its malicious code within legitimate system or application processes, thereby evading detection by traditional security tools. TinkyWinkey captures all keystrokes, including special keys and multi-language inputs, which makes it capable of harvesting sensitive information such as passwords, personal messages, and confidential business data. Beyond keystroke logging, it performs comprehensive system profiling by collecting detailed system metrics including CPU usage, memory status, operating system version, and network identifiers. This profiling aids attackers in understanding the environment and tailoring further attacks or exfiltration strategies. The malware stores its logs in the user's temporary directory, recording both system reconnaissance data and user activity. The combination of service-based persistence, low-level keyboard hooks, DLL injection, and detailed system profiling demonstrates a high level of programming sophistication aimed at maximizing data capture while minimizing detection. Indicators of compromise include unusual service activity, unexpected DLL injections into trusted processes, and persistent logging behavior in temporary directories. Although no known exploits in the wild have been reported, the malware's stealth and persistence mechanisms make it a significant threat to Windows environments. The malware is tagged with multiple MITRE ATT&CK techniques such as T1218.011 (signed binary proxy execution), T1056.001 (input capture: keylogging), T1543.003 (Windows service), and T1055.003 (DLL injection), highlighting its multifaceted attack approach.

For European organizations, TinkyWinkey poses a substantial risk to confidentiality and integrity of sensitive information. The keylogging capability can lead to credential theft, intellectual property exposure, and unauthorized access to critical systems. The comprehensive system profiling can facilitate targeted follow-on attacks or lateral movement within networks. The stealthy persistence and DLL injection techniques complicate detection and removal, potentially allowing prolonged unauthorized access. This can disrupt business operations, damage reputations, and lead to regulatory non-compliance, especially under GDPR where data breaches involving personal data must be reported and can incur heavy fines. Organizations in sectors such as finance, government, healthcare, and critical infrastructure are particularly vulnerable due to the high value of the data they handle and the potential national security implications. The malware's ability to capture multi-language input is relevant in the multilingual European context, increasing the risk of data compromise across diverse user bases. Although no active widespread exploitation is reported yet, the presence of such advanced malware in the threat landscape necessitates proactive defense measures to prevent potential future attacks.

European organizations should implement targeted detection and prevention strategies beyond generic advice. First, monitor Windows service creation and unusual service behavior to detect unauthorized persistence mechanisms. Employ endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions capable of detecting DLL injection and anomalous process behavior, focusing on trusted processes that may be compromised. Regularly audit and restrict permissions for service creation and DLL injection capabilities to limit malware installation vectors. Implement application whitelisting to prevent unauthorized binaries from executing or injecting code. Use behavioral analytics to identify unusual keyboard hook activity or unexpected logging to temporary directories. Enforce strict least privilege principles for user accounts to reduce the impact of credential theft. Conduct regular threat hunting exercises focusing on the MITRE ATT&CK techniques associated with TinkyWinkey. Educate users about phishing and social engineering tactics, as initial infection vectors are often user-driven. Maintain up-to-date backups and incident response plans to quickly recover from infections. Finally, integrate threat intelligence feeds that include TinkyWinkey indicators such as file hashes and YARA rules to enhance detection capabilities.