WyzGuys Tech Talk

There is a new threat appearing on corporate and personal networks called “fileless malware.”  It can sneak by traditional signature recognition endpoint security programs.  It is able to hide and stay resident by using trusted operating system and software application files to run the exploit.

Fileless malware exploits are estimated to comprise almost 30% of new exploits, and that percentage is rising as cyber-crime group move to this newer technology.  Fileless malware exploits are being target at financial institutions and other corporate networks.  Because this new exploit can be coupled with other malware exploits that are delivered remotely from CNC servers, it is expected that this threat will evolve and target individuals too.

Detection can be problematic unless your organization is utilizing some form of unified threat management, such as AlienVault, to review your system logs for anomalies and to keep an eye out for unusual traffic running across your network, or leaving your network for locations on the Internet.

Here are five tips to avoid fileless malware infections, from TechRepublic’s Jesus Vigo:

1. Restrict unnecessary scripting languages

2. Disable macros and digitally sign trusted macros

3. Monitor security appliance logs for unauthorized traffic

4. Implement endpoint security with active monitoring

5. Perform patch management across all devices

More information:

• TechRepublic
• Tech Republic