A cyber attack can happen any time, anywhere, and with any method used. It does not choose its target, but with whatever a hacker can get its hands-on and make a profit out of it.
Some illegal hackers show off their skills by executing attacks boldly, while some others would prefer to do it discreetly.
Nevertheless, these people, computer viruses, or malicious software’s only intention is to bring damage to your hardware or software, harm your personal or business information, and exploit your financial assets.
While cyberattacks come in different forms, our attention is driven by the types that are untraceable and difficult to understand. One of these underlying threats is fileless malware.
In this article, we will be understanding the threat that lies in an invisible attack called fileless malware.
Fileless Malware
A fileless malware or is also known as non-malware, is an untraceable cyberattack that does not depend on malware to infect and spread in a device but rather finds existence in machine vulnerabilities and takes advantage of it.
This method of attack triggers companies to move on their security protocols from the traditional security model to a smart threat hunting, threat intelligence incorporated, keen detection, and the use of cybersecurity colored teams.
Fileless malware is an example of a threat that you will have to defend against an unknown element.
It can reside in your RAM and can use various malicious tools like the adobe.exe or iexplore.exe to get into a safe process. This is also a part of its attack method in order to spread in your system with the least amount of time.
Fileless malware is independent by nature making it difficult for antivirus to remove, defend, and prevent it. The solution option for you should an attack happen is to reboot your system.
But again, some hackers can still use scripts to do a restart and run the malware again. It allows hackers to take control by directing your computer’s vulnerabilities and steal information from your storage using the network.
Nature of a Fileless Malware
The nature of fileless malware is that it uses a trusted process in executing an attack, can be paired with other types of malware, and uses a legit application that is existing on your device.
It also has no particular behavior or pattern making it difficult to detect, no definite identity, no footprint, and is known as memory-based malware residing secretly in your RAM.
Finding Solutions
Since the fileless attack is difficult to detect and trace, this becomes a challenge to many security experts on how to deal with it. Many organizations are investing in new preventive solutions or forms of antivirus that can detect these types of risks.
Counter Measures in Fighting Fileless Malware
The best practice to keep your device away from fileless malware is to keep your software updated, keep the existence of your JavaScript, practice proper email policies, handling flash code, avoiding public domains, apply browser security, and strengthening your identification, authorization, and authentication.
Career Opportunity
Eager to learn more about defense against cyber threats? Learn cybersecurity at Reliable Cyber Solutions, LLC.
Our network security practice is top of the line with the latest security trends. Visit our website and check our courses for our online educational program at RCyberSolutions. Our courses are for students, professionals, and everyone.