Fileless Malware is Difficult to Detect, Dangerous, and On-The-Rise

Fileless Malware Attacks are on the rise. The Canadian Centre for Cyber Security warns the public to watch out for this dangerous type of cyberattack.

Fileless malware attacks are a particularly dangerous strain of malicious software (malware) that are difficult to detect due to their ability to exploit your own programs to mask themselves. This makes it much more difficult for antivirus software to detect them, allowing the malware to spread itself across your network without triggering red flags. Furthermore, fileless malware often removes itself from the victim’s computer after initial infection, further avoiding detection.

How do Flawless Malware Attacks Infect Your Computer?

There are many channels that a flawless malware campaign can infect your devices. Here are some of the common methods:

Phishing Attack

A phishing attack is a malware infection that is carried through e-mail. A malicious e-mail is sent to the victim, often posing as a legitimate company asking for account confirmation or profile information updates, tricking recipients into clicking malicious links that download malware or to open malicious websites. To read more about protecting yourself against phishing attacks, check our article here.

Compromised / malicious device

One of the most common methods of infection is by connecting a malicious or compromised device to the victim’s computer. These devices can include storage devices such as hard drives, USBs, and SD cards. Once an infected devices has been connected to a computer, it is as simple as executing a malicious file to infect the PC.

What happens after infection?

After a PC becomes infected, the fileless malware abuses administrative programs such as the Windows Management Instrumentation (WMI) and the Regsvr32 tool to try to download additional malware from the internet to spread to other devices on the network, steal data, or record keystrokes. This method of cyberattack that uses existing programs is called “living off the land”, and makes it incredibly difficult for detection as these programs are usually able to bypass antivirus software due to their back-end administrative use.

Once data has been stolen, it can be sold on cyberattacker black markets, used for theft, and to hack into accounts.

In light of this rising threat, The Canadian Centre for Cyber Security has outlined best practices to keep yourself protected against this type of cyberattack.

First, ensure that all your programs are up-to-date. Developers are constantly releasing updates that repair known vulnerabilities in their programs, and neglecting software will leave you vulnerable.

Segmenting your network can help prevent malware from spreading to your sensitive devices. Centralizing your network management will also reduce the ability for malware to spread itself among your devices.

Don’t fall victim to fileless malware attacks. GIGE IT Solutions provides data backup and network security services to help you ensure that your computers are protected and secure. Call +1 888 366 4443 or email info@gige.ca to get started with us today.