Malware poses a significant threat in today’s digital landscape, capable of causing extensive damage and financial loss. As technology evolves, cybercriminals continually develop more advanced and deceptive tactics. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at some of the latest and most sophisticated forms of malware.
7 Malware Threats to Watch Out For
Malware is becoming increasingly sophisticated and difficult to detect. Here are seven emerging and deceptive types of malware that you should be aware of:
1. Polymorphic Malware
Polymorphic malware is a type of malware that changes its code every time it replicates. This makes it challenging for antivirus software to identify, as it appears different with each iteration. Polymorphic malware uses an encryption key to alter its form and digital signature. By combining a mutation engine with self-replicating code, it constantly changes its appearance and rapidly modifies its code structure.
This type of malware has two primary components: an encrypted virus body and a decryption routine. While the virus body continuously changes its form, the decryption routine stays the same, handling the encryption and decryption processes. Although this consistency makes polymorphic malware somewhat easier to detect than metamorphic malware, it can still rapidly evolve into new variants before antivirus software can respond.
Criminals use obfuscation techniques to create polymorphic malware. These include:
- dead-code insertion
- subroutine reordering
- register reassignment
- instruction substitution
- code transposition
- code integration
These techniques significantly complicate detection by antivirus programs. Polymorphic malware has been involved in several high-profile attacks, spreading quickly and avoiding detection by constantly altering its form. Because of its ability to frequently change, it poses a serious challenge and demands advanced detection methods that go beyond traditional signature-based scanning.
2. Fileless Malware
Fileless malware is malicious software that works without planting an actual file on the device. Over 70% of malware attacks do not involve any files. This malware is injected directly into the computer’s short-term memory (RAM), allowing it to carry out malicious actions by leveraging the device’s resources. It doesn’t leave a typical footprint on the hard drive, making it much harder to detect.
Fileless malware often begins with a phishing attack, usually in the form of an email containing a malicious link or attachment disguised as something legitimate. When the user clicks the link or opens the attachment, the malware is triggered and runs directly in the system’s RAM. It typically takes advantage of vulnerabilities in software such as document readers or browser plugins to gain access to the device.
Once inside a device, fileless malware leverages trusted system administration tools like PowerShell or Windows Management Instrumentation (WMI) to establish a connection with a remote command-and-control server. From there, it can download and run additional malicious scripts, enabling attackers to carry out harmful activities directly in the system’s memory. This malware can steal data, send the stolen information to attackers, and even spread across the network to infect other devices or servers. Its ability to function without creating files makes it especially dangerous and difficult to detect with traditional security tools.
3. Advanced Ransomware
Ransomware is an advanced type of malware that locks your data by encrypting it and demands payment for its release. Modern ransomware has evolved to target entire networks, not just individual devices. It often uses strong encryption techniques and may also steal sensitive information before locking it down. This dual threat increases pressure on victims, as they risk having their data exposed publicly if they refuse to pay the ransom.
Ransomware attacks usually begin with the installation of a malicious agent on the victim’s computer. This agent encrypts important files on the system as well as any connected file shares. Once the encryption is complete, a message appears explaining the situation and providing instructions on how to pay the ransom. Victims are promised a decryption key in return for payment to regain access to their data.
Advanced ransomware attacks have become increasingly prevalent, targeting a wide range of sectors, including healthcare and critical infrastructure. These attacks can lead to substantial financial losses and severely disrupt essential services.
4. Social Engineering Malware
Social engineering malware deceives people into installing it by pretending to be something harmless. It often appears in emails or messages that seem legitimate but are actually fraudulent. This type of malware takes advantage of human error, rather than exploiting technical vulnerabilities.
Social engineering attacks typically follow a four-step process: information gathering, trust building, exploitation, and execution. Cybercriminals first collect details about their victims, then impersonate trusted individuals to gain their confidence. Once trust is established, they exploit it to steal sensitive information and ultimately accomplish their objective, such as accessing online accounts.
5. Rootkit Malware
Rootkit malware is a program or set of malicious tools that grants attackers remote access and control over a computer or other system. While rootkits can have legitimate applications, they are primarily used to create backdoors on victims’ systems, allowing attackers to deploy further malicious software or use the compromised system for additional network attacks.
Rootkits often try to avoid detection by disabling endpoint antimalware and antivirus software. They can be installed through phishing attacks or social engineering tactics, granting remote cybercriminals administrator-level access to the system. Once in place, a rootkit can deploy viruses, ransomware, keyloggers, or other types of malware, and even alter system configurations to remain undetected.
6. Spyware
Spyware is malicious software created to infiltrate your device, collect information about you, and send it to a third party without your permission. It can track your activities, steal passwords, and even record your keystrokes. Additionally, spyware often impacts network and device performance, causing slowdowns in everyday tasks.
Spyware gains access to devices through app installation packages, malicious websites, or file attachments. It collects data by monitoring keystrokes, taking screen captures, and using other tracking methods, then transmits the stolen information to the spyware creator. The data gathered can include login credentials, credit card details, and browsing activities.
7. Trojan Malware
Trojan malware is a deceptive form of malicious software that disguises itself as a harmless program to infiltrate devices. Even with caution, Trojans are difficult to detect. Unlike other malware, they don’t self-replicate, meaning most Trojan attacks begin by tricking the user into downloading, installing, and running the malware.
Trojans can delete files, install other types of malware, alter or copy data, disrupt device performance, steal personal information, and even send messages from your email or phone number. They often spread via phishing scams, where attackers send emails that appear to come from legitimate business addresses.
Protect Yourself from Malware
Protecting yourself from malware involves using the right tools and understanding the associated risks. By staying informed and taking proactive measures, you can greatly minimize the chances of falling victim to malware infections.
Article used with permission from The Technology Press.