Malware

What is malware?

Malware (short for “malicious software”) is computer software designed to damage, disrupt or gain unauthorised access to a computer system or network. Types of malware include viruses, worms, trojan horses, ransomware and spyware.

In a malware attack, cybercriminals use email attachments, malicious websites, social engineering or software vulnerabilities to infect a computer system with malware. Malware can be used to steal sensitive information, take control of a system or deny system access until a ransom is paid (known as ransomware).

Types of malware

Common types of malware include:

Viruses – Viruses are malicious software programmes that attach themselves to other executable files. When the infected file is run, the virus replicates and spreads to other files. They can corrupt data, delete files or even make a system inoperable.
Ransomware – Malware that is use to hold an organisation’s data or systems hostage, demanding payment for restoration.
Worms – Worms are self-replicating malware that can spread independently across networks without requiring user interaction. They can quickly consume network bandwidth and overload systems.
Trojans – Trojans are malicious programmes disguised as legitimate software. Once installed, they can steal data, damage files, or provide backdoor access to a system.
Spyware – Spyware secretly monitors user activity to gather personal information such as browsing habits, credit card numbers and passwords.
Adware – Adware displays unwanted advertisements on a user’s device. While not inherently malicious, it can slow down system performance and potentially lead to other infections.
Fileless malware – Fileless malware operates entirely in a computer’s memory, making it difficult to detect and remove. It can perform various malicious actions, including data theft and system damage.
Rootkits – Rootkits are designed to hide malicious activities from the user and operating system. They provide attackers with administrator-level access to a compromised system.
Keyloggers – Keyloggers record keystrokes to capture sensitive information like passwords, credit card numbers and personal data.
Cryptojacking – Cryptojacking uses a victim’s computer to mine cryptocurrency without their knowledge or consent, draining system resources.

Malware vs. virus vs. trojan

‘Malware’ is the umbrella term for any malicious software designed to harm computer systems. A ‘virus’ is a type of malware that replicates itself by attaching to other programmes. It spreads through infected files and can cause system damage, data loss or performance issues.

A ‘trojan’ is a malicious programme disguised as legitimate software. It doesn’t replicate itself but can steal data, damage files or provide backdoor access. Trojans often rely on user interaction to spread.

How to prevent malware attacks

Preventing malware attacks requires a proactive approach.

Software updates – Keeping software updated is essential, as these updates often patch vulnerabilities exploited by malware. Strong, unique passwords for accounts, coupled with multi-factor authentication, are also key deterrents.
Threat intelligence – Organisations can utilise threat intelligence to gain real-time insights into emerging malware threats, enabling them to identify and block them proactively and improving incident response by giving context that helps mitigate damage more effectively.
Antivirus software – Investing in reputable antivirus software provides an added layer of protection. Furthermore, educating employees about malware threats can significantly reduce the risk of falling victim to these attacks.
Network security – Security measures, such as firewalls and intrusion detection systems, offer additional safeguards. Regular security audits and vulnerability assessments can help identify potential weaknesses.
Phishing awareness – Being vigilant against phishing attempts is crucial. Avoid clicking on suspicious links or downloading attachments from unknown senders.
Click carefully – Be cautious about clicking on links or downloading attachments from unknown senders and avoid downloading software from untrusted sources.
Use caution on public Wi-Fi – Avoid accessing sensitive information on public Wi-Fi networks.

How to know if you’re under attack and what to do?

Due to their complex IT infrastructure, organisations often struggle to detect malware. Identifying signs of an infection early is key to minimising the damage. Some key indicators of a malware infection include:

Performance issues – Slow systems, frequent crashes, or network sluggishness.
Unauthorised access – Unusual login attempts or suspicious activity on network devices.
Data loss or corruption – Missing or inaccessible files, system errors.
Increased network traffic – Unusual data transfer patterns.
Security alerts – Warnings from firewalls, intrusion detection systems, or antivirus software.

Malware countermeasures include:

Robust security infrastructure – Implement firewalls, intrusion prevention systems and endpoint protection.
Threat intelligence – Utilise threat intelligence feeds to stay informed about emerging threats.
Employee training – Educate staff about phishing, social engineering and best security practices.
Regular security audits – Conduct vulnerability assessments and penetration testing.
Incident response plan – Develop a comprehensive plan for responding to malware incidents.
Data backup and recovery – Regularly back up critical data to facilitate restoration.
Network segmentation – Isolate sensitive systems and data for added protection.

By combining these measures, organisations can significantly reduce the risk of malware attacks and their potential impact.

What is malware threat intelligence and what is it used for?

Malware threat intelligence refers to the collection, analysis and use of data related to malware threats. It involves gathering information about various types of malicious software, their behaviours, origins and the tactics, techniques and procedures (TTPs) they use to infect systems and evade detection.

This intelligence helps cybersecurity professionals understand the nature of the threats they face, anticipate future attacks and develop more effective defences. By leveraging malware intelligence, organisations can identify emerging threats, respond to incidents more quickly and implement proactive measures to prevent malware infections and mitigate risks.

How does malware intelligence work?

Malware intelligence systematically gathers and analyses information about malware threats to help organisations anticipate, detect and respond to cyberattacks. This process begins with collecting data from various sources, including open sources, threat feeds, reports and public repositories, focusing on malware samples, attack vectors and indicators of compromise (IOCs).

Analysing these samples reveals patterns in the malware’s behaviour, such as its spread, targets and evasion techniques. This intelligence is then correlated with existing threat data, documented and shared within the organisation and with external partners.

Malware intelligence is an ongoing process. Threats evolve, so continuous monitoring, analysis and updating of intelligence data are necessary to stay ahead of new and emerging malware threats.

How does malware intelligence relate to Intrusion Detection Systems and Botnet monitoring

Malware intelligence enhances the effectiveness of Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS) and botnet monitoring. It provides the foundational knowledge about threats, their tactics and potential targets.

Intrusion Detection Systems use malware intelligence to identify suspicious activity on a network. They analyse network traffic for patterns indicative of malicious behaviour.

Botnet monitoring is a specialised form of intrusion detection focused on identifying and tracking networks of compromised computers (botnets). Malware intelligence helps in recognising the characteristics of botnet communication and identifying botnet command-and-control servers.

In essence, malware intelligence fuels the effectiveness of IDS and botnet monitoring systems by providing the necessary context and insights to detect and respond to threats accurately.

Malware lifecycle timeline

The malware lifecycle typically consists of several stages, from its creation to its eventual mitigation or eradication:

Creation – Malware is designed and coded by the attacker.
Distribution – The malware is delivered to potential victims.
Infection –Once the malware reaches a target system, it executes and installs itself.
Execution –The malware carries out its intended malicious activities.
Detection – Security tools or professionals detect the malware and analyse it.
Mitigation – Security measures are taken to isolate infected systems detect and remove the malware.
Evolution – Updates, or the creation of new variants by attackers, can make the malware more sophisticated and harder to detect.

Understanding these stages can help in developing effective strategies for preventing, detecting and responding to malware attacks.

Sources for malware intelligence

Malware intelligence is gathered from a variety of sources. This includes open-source intelligence (OSINT) extracted from publicly available sources, dark web monitoring, threat feeds, cybersecurity communities and honey pots designed to attract and study attackers. Malware intelligence can also come from an organisation’s internal threat data, as well as government and law enforcement agencies.

By combining these sources, organisations can build a comprehensive picture of the threat landscape and protect against emerging malware threats.

Why should businesses care about malware intelligence

Malware intelligence is a critical component of a robust cybersecurity strategy, safeguarding a business’s digital assets, data and reputation.

By understanding the latest malware trends and tactics, businesses can strengthen their security measures, ensuring they are better equipped to detect and respond to potential threats. Malware intelligence also enables businesses to stay ahead of emerging threats by identifying and mitigating them before they cause damage.

Early detection and prevention of malware attacks can save businesses significant costs associated with data breaches and business disruption, including lost productivity, legal fees, regulatory fines and damage to reputation and customer trust.

Malware intelligence also provides the data and insights needed to make informed decisions about cybersecurity investments, helping businesses allocate resources effectively to where they are needed most.

Frequently asked questions about malware and malware intelligence

While there are many types of malware, the four most common types are:

Viruses – Self-replicating code that attaches to other programmes.
Worms – Self-replicating code that spreads independently across networks.
Trojans – Malicious programmes disguised as legitimate software.
Ransomware – Malware used for data extortion or system lockout to obtain ransom

What is malware intelligence?
Malware intelligence is knowledge gained from the collection, analysis and use of data related to malware threats. It involves gathering information about various types of malicious software and their behaviours, origins and tactics, in order to protect against, detect and remediate malware attacks.

How do you know if you have malware?
Signs of malware include slow performance, unexplained system changes, data loss, increased network activity and security alerts.

How serious is malware?
Malware is a highly serious threat that can cause significant damage to individuals, businesses and even governments. Its impact ranges from financial loss and data theft to system disruptions and reputational harm.

In severe cases, malware can cripple entire networks, lead to the loss of sensitive information and disrupt critical infrastructure. The growing sophistication of malware attacks, including ransomware and advanced persistent threats (APTs), underscores the need for effective cybersecurity measures to counter these risks.

What is a virus vs malware vs trojan?
A virus is a type of malicious software that is self-replicating. Malware is the name for any malicious software designed to harm computer systems, encompassing many different types of malicious software. Trojansare a type of malware thatdisguises itself as legitimate software.

Is malware analysis part of threat intelligence?
Malware analysis is an integral part of threat intelligence. It involves examining and understanding malware to extract valuable information about its behaviour, origin and objectives. This information is an essential part of broader threat intelligence efforts, enabling organisations to better anticipate and defend against future attacks.

Malware intelligence and Silobreaker

Silobreaker’s threat intelligence platform provides powerful insights on malware threats in real-time. It offers unrivalled visibility across millions of OSINT and dark web sources, keeping you up to date about new malware strains, associated actors and commonly used techniques and tools to ensure your team can build a proactive defence against potential threats.

Access finished intelligence reports and daily summaries on actors and events, as well as tailor-made dashboards and powerful analytics to identify malware threats, attackers, attack types and TTPs. Silobreaker enables you to prioritise risks to your industry, organisation and vendors in your supply chain.

Identify emerging threats to enable timely response and generate AI-enhanced reports and customised alerts for key stakeholders to help your organisation prioritise and mitigate ransomware attacks.

Discover how Silobreaker can empower your organisation to make intelligence-led decisions to safeguard the business from cyber, physical and geopolitical threats, mitigate risks and maximise business value.