To avoid detection by antimalware programs, cybercriminals are increasingly abusing legitimate software tools and legitimate programs in systems to steal data or ruin its integrity. They use fileless malware to infiltrate trusted applications and issue executables that blend in with normal network traffic or IT/system administration tasks while leaving fewer footprints. Ultimately, your business could be at risk. Let’s see why.

What is fileless malware?

Fileless malware is stored in random access memory (RAM) instead of on the hard drive. In a typical fileless infection, payloads can be injected into the memory of existing software or applications by running scripts within whitelisted or authenticated applications such as PowerShell, which is designed to automate system administration tasks such as view all USB devices, drives, and services installed in the system, schedule a series of demands, or terminate processes (i.e., Task Manager).

Because there are no files to trace, fileless malware escapes detection from most antimalware programs, especially those that use databases of precedents. Furthermore, most automated sensors cannot recognize illicit scripts, and cybersecurity analysts who are trained to identify them usually have a difficult time establishing where to start looking. Fileless malware isn’t as visible compared to traditional malware. They employ a variety of techniques to stay persistent, and can adversely affect the integrity of a business’s process and the infrastructures that run them.

Fileless malware by the numbers

Cybersecurity firm Kaspersky Lab first discovered a type of fileless malware on its very own network a couple of years ago. The final verdict was that it originated from the Stuxnet strain of state-sponsored cyber warfare. The high level of sophistication and government funding meant fileless malware was virtually nonexistent until the beginning of 2017.

In November 2016, attacks using fileless malware saw an uptick of 13% according to a report. In the same quarter, attacks surged 33% compared to the first quarter. During the first quarter of 2017, more PowerShell-related attacks were reported on more than 12,000 unique machines.

Kaspersky Lab uncovered over 140 infections across 40 different countries. Almost every instance of the fileless malware was found in financial institutions and worked towards obtaining login credentials. In the worst cases, infections had already gleaned enough information to allow cyberattackers to withdraw undisclosed sums of cash from ATMs.

In 2018, cybersecurity firm Trend Micro detected a rising trend of fileless threats throughout the first half of the year.

Is your business at risk?

It is unlikely your business would have been targeted in the earliest stages of this particular strain of malware, but it’s better to be safe than sorry. Businesses should practice defense in depth, where multilayered safeguards are implemented to reduce exposure and mitigate damage. But apart from cultivating a security-aware workforce, what actionable countermeasures can organizations do?

While your business might not be in immediate danger, you should employ solutions that analyze trends in behavior. It is also wise to invest in a managed service provider that offers 24/7 network monitoring, proper patches, and software updates. Call today to get started.

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You may think that you’re not online enough to risk your safety, or that you never visit unsafe sites. However, the world wide web is a vast network where the exchange of information is often difficult to track. Here are some good reasons to “go incognito”.

With the headlines about data breaches and cyberattacks greeting you every time you go online, it seems impossible to have a surefire, foolproof way to keep your information secure. Sometimes cyber predators are relatively harmless, but oftentimes, their goal is to steal identities and financial information. Virus scanners and firewalls can definitely help, but here’s an added layer of protection when you go online.

What is private browsing?

Your web browser — whether it be Chrome, Edge, Firefox, Safari, or Opera — stores the addresses of the sites you visit, cookies that track your activity, passwords you’ve used, and temporary files you’ve downloaded.

This can be convenient if you frequently visit certain pages, can’t remember your login details, or if you’re trying to recall a website you visited a few days ago. But if someone else uses or gains access to your computer, your most private (and embarrassing) internet activities are exposed for anyone to see.

With private browsing — also called Incognito Mode in Chrome and InPrivate Browsing in Edge — all the information listed above does not get recorded. In fact, all the websites and information you accessed during a private browsing session is discarded without a trace as soon as you close the browser. This can come in handy when you’re using a public computer because you’re instantly logged out of all the accounts after closing the window.

Private browsing also prevents cookies from being stored on your computer. In a normal browsing session, sites like Facebook will inundate you with highly targeted ads based on the sites and pages you’ve visited. But in private browsing mode, your internet activity won’t be used against you by marketing companies.

Another benefit of private browsing is you can use it to log in to several accounts on the same site, which is useful if you need to log in to two different Google accounts at the same time.

Limitations of private browsing

Although private browsing does prevent your web browser from storing your data, it doesn’t keep your online activities 100% private. If your computer is connected to the company network, system administrators can still keep track of what you’re browsing, even if you’re in Incognito Mode. Also, if spyware or keylogger malware is installed on your computer, hackers will still be able to see what you’re doing online.

A keylogger malware records every key you punched in and may send this information to a predefined email address without you knowing. This means passwords, answers to verification questions, account numbers, credit card details, or even the words you type in a chat can be emailed to someone spying on your online activities.

Even though private browsing has quite a few benefits, you shouldn’t solely depend on it for online privacy. Your computers and mobile devices must be equipped with Virtual Private Networks that encrypt your internet connection and prevent anyone from intercepting your data. And don’t forget to scan your computer for viruses with a strong anti-malware program to keep spyware and other malicious web monitoring software at bay.

If you want to know where you can get these solutions or learn more about web browser security, call us today. We have the tools and expert advice you need to prevent anyone from snooping on your internet browsing.

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Major cybersecurity experts believe there are around 1.3 million unique malware designed to attack mobile devices at any given moment. That is why businesses must follow a mobile-first security strategy and devote more resources to protect smartphones, tablets, and laptops. Mobile threat detection (MTD) tactics are an excellent way to accomplish that.

MTD and machine learning

Mobile threat detection is an all-around solution that prevents physical tampering, network-based attacks, and malware infections. MTD is supported by a machine learning mechanism, which enables devices to recognize usage patterns and flag anything that is outside of the norm.

MTD is a very scalable solution, able to monitor dozens of Android mobile devices. When one of them deviates from the rest, machine learning logs the anomaly and notifies administrators.

Does MTD detect malware?

Most malware programs are cleverly disguised as legitimate and useful apps. The key to finding and defending against malware is recognizing irregular patterns in user behavior and how individual devices function. A simple scan is not enough to protect your device, especially from attacks such as phishing scams based on thorough target research.

Without machine learning, observing user and application behavior for suspicious signs would be an overwhelming task. It doesn’t provide total protection though. Mobile security also needs to include ways to blacklist certain apps, prohibit connecting to unsecured networks, and remotely wipe a device when all else fails.

How to implement an MTD solution

Integrating MTD into your mobile security strategy requires a thorough evaluation of important factors, including industry regulations and the sensitivity of the data stored and/or exchanged on your mobile devices. Ideally, it will be part of a larger solution that allows you to inspect a mobile device’s hidden weaknesses and block harmful network traffic.

Developing strong defenses for mobile devices is fast becoming a critical component in many businesses’ cybersecurity strategies. And although mobile threat detection remains an imperfect means to detect malware, it is far more powerful than traditional anti-malware solutions.

Businesses like yours need comprehensive security solutions to fend off cyberattacks, whether on your PCs, laptops, or smartphones. For expert IT security recommendations, call us today!

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