How to Prevent Fileless Malware Attacks?

Overview

Fileless malware is a type of attack that utilizes a system's memory or other legitimate applications to execute malicious code, leaving behind no suspicious files or traces on the target device. This makes it challenging to detect and block through traditional security software, posing significant threats to users and businesses. This article will explain how fileless malware works, common types, detection methods, and preventive measures.

Contents 

What is Fileless Malware?

How Does Fileless Malware Work?

How to Detect Fileless Malware?

How to Prevent Fileless Malware Attacks?

Online Network Security Concerns

What is Fileless Malware?

Fileless malware is a type of malicious software that does not rely on executable files or scripts stored on the hard drive to run. Instead, it leverages a system's memory or other legitimate applications (such as PowerShell, Word, Excel, etc.) to execute malicious code. This approach can bypass the detection of most signature-based or behavior-based security software, as they typically focus on suspicious files or activities on the hard drive. Fileless malware is often spread through phishing emails, malicious websites, USB drives, etc., and it executes malicious code when users open attachments, click links, or insert USB drives.

How Does Fileless Malware Work?

The operation of fileless malware can be divided into several steps:

① Malicious Hidden Payload

Attackers send a payload to the target device through phishing emails, malicious websites, USB drives, or other means. This payload often appears as a normal-looking file such as a document, image, or video but contains hidden malicious code.

② Execution of Stealthy Malicious Code in Memory

When a user opens the payload, the malicious code runs in the background and uses the system's memory or other legitimate applications (such as PowerShell, Word, Excel) to load and execute more malicious code. These malicious code segments do not create any files or traces on the hard drive but run directly in memory.

③ Malicious Activities

The executed malicious code performs various attacks on the target device, such as stealing sensitive information, encrypting files, implanting backdoors, downloading more malware, and more.

How to Detect Fileless Malware?

Since fileless malware does not leave suspicious files or traces on the hard drive, traditional signature-based or behavior-based security software finds it challenging to detect and block. To effectively detect fileless malware, the following methods can be employed:

① Real-Time Memory Monitoring

Real-time memory monitoring is a technique that detects abnormal activities and malicious code in memory. It analyzes data, code, and patterns in memory to identify the presence of fileless malware.

② Application Whitelisting

Application whitelisting is a method that restricts the execution of only known and trusted applications. It establishes a list of trusted applications to prevent unknown or suspicious ones from running.

③ Network Traffic Analysis

Network traffic analysis is a technique to detect abnormal activities and malicious communications in the network. It examines data packets, protocols, and domains to identify signs of fileless malware.

How to Prevent Fileless Malware Attacks?

In addition to using the detection methods mentioned above, the following measures can help prevent fileless malware attacks:

① Regularly Update Systems and Applications

Regularly updating operating systems and applications can patch known vulnerabilities and flaws, reducing the risk of exploitation by fileless malware. Tools like Windows Update and Office Update provide system and application update functionalities.

② Disable Unnecessary Features and Services

Disabling unnecessary features and services can reduce the attack surface for fileless malware. For example, disabling features like PowerShell, Office macros, browser plugins, and others can prevent the execution of certain types of fileless malware.

③ Enhance User Education and Awareness

Enhancing user education and awareness can increase user recognition and vigilance against fileless malware. Methods such as participating in security training, reading security blogs, and following security tips can strengthen user education and awareness.

Online Network Security Concerns

Despite implementing the measures mentioned above, complete protection against fileless malware attacks cannot be guaranteed, as more significant threats originate from online networks. When connected to the internet, users may be exposed to various network threats, such as hacking attempts, network surveillance, identity theft, and more. To safeguard your online network security, using MetroVPN is an effective solution.

MetroVPN is a professional VPN service that offers the following advantages:

① Encrypts Network Activity

MetroVPN ensures that all your internet traffic is encrypted, providing a secure and private connection while browsing websites.

② Surf Anonymously

With MetroVPN , you can browse the internet without revealing your real IP address, maintaining anonymity and online privacy.

③ Strict No-Logs Policy

MetroVPN adheres to a strict no-logs policy, meaning it doesn't track or store any of your online activities, ensuring the confidentiality of your data.

④ Ultra-Fast Speed

MetroVPN provides high-speed servers, enabling you to enjoy a seamless browsing experience without performance impact.

⑤ 30-Day Money-Back Guarantee

MetroVPN offers a risk-free trial period with a 30-day money-back guarantee, allowing you to try their service with peace of mind.

⑥ 24/7 Customer Support

MetroVPN offers round-the-clock customer support to ensure you can get assistance whenever you need it.