Just like real-life viruses, malware can mutate to evade detection whilst wreaking the maximum amount of havoc. The rise in so-called polymorphic and metamorphic malware poses a significant threat to business data, particularly as they’re designed to go undetected by traditional signature-based antivirus (AV) software. All is not lost, however, as Intellesec explains how businesses can win the war against adaptive malware threats. Malware is malicious software designed to damage devices and pilfer data. Most of us have heard of malware and its various guises – including viruses, trojans and ransomware – and our natural inclination is to invest in antivirus software and breath a sigh of relief. If only it was that simple. Because malware is changing, literally.
What are polymorphic and metamorphic malware?
The main forms of adaptive malware are polymorphic and metamorphic malware: • Polymorphic malware – Uses chameleon-like tactics to change its identity, sometimes as often as every 15 to 20 seconds. It changes certain signatures, like file names and encryption keys, by altering parts of its code. • Metamorphic malware – Completely re-writes its code every time it updates. In both cases, the malware stays one step ahead of antivirus software, which is unlikely to recognise the threat until it’s too late.
Protect your business against polymorphic malware
The best way to defend your business against polymorphic malware is to take a multi-layered approach, combining people, processes and technology. Intellesec can help on all three fronts.
People
An astonishing 90% of all malware was delivered by email in 2019. In many cases, phishing emails are used to spread the malware and extract sensitive data from the recipient. Intellesec’s automated phishing simulations highlight at-risk employees. We then deliver targeted training that empowers them to make smarter choices when presented with suspicious attachments and URLs.
Processes
Studies have shown that 60% of data breaches are avoidable. Intellesec’s vulnerability and assessment solutions can pinpoint any gaps in your security. Our vulnerability management platform combines advanced algorithms and application modelling techniques to give you a deep insight into vulnerabilities across your websites, applications, network and cloud infrastructure.
Technology
A small business is hacked every 19 seconds in the UK but Intellesec can provide your business with next generation endpoint management software that leverages machine learning, behavioural monitoring and state-of-the-art malware prevention technology. Our behaviour-based polymorphic malware detection adapts to new and emerging malware threats as and when they occur in real-time.
Contact Intellesec today
Intellesec protects businesses in the professional industries from cyber attacks, data breaches and phishing threats. We combine the most technically advanced cyber security technology on the market with more than 20 years of industry experience and expertise to keep your business safe from all types of threats, including polymorphic malware.
For more information, contact Intellesec today on 0116 3266123 or email hello@intellesec.co.uk.
