How to prevent fileless attacks?

As fileless attacks have surged in recent years, it’s crucial to address this growing threat effectively. Since 2017, fileless malware has become more prevalent, driven by attack kits that integrate with PowerShell. Unlike traditional malware, fileless attacks do not rely on installing malicious files. Instead, they exploit existing tools, software, and applications already present in the operating system. Research indicates that fileless attacks are likely to continue rising and represent a significant portion of global cyber attacks.

Why is preventing fileless attacks important?

Despite having robust security measures in place, fileless attacks continue to pose a significant threat. These attacks exploit existing software, applications, and protocols, bypassing traditional executable file-based defenses. By leveraging commonly used software and exploiting vulnerabilities in both client and server-side applications, fileless attacks evade conventional detection methods. As traditional antivirus tools struggle to identify these non-malware threats, it becomes crucial for organizations to adopt advanced security strategies to counteract fileless attacks effectively.

Understanding key entry points and hosts

Fileless threats can infiltrate systems through various entry points.

• Exploits leveraging vulnerabilities: Fileless attacks can exploit weaknesses in file formats, network data protocols, or transmitted data to gain unauthorized access or execute malicious actions.
• Compromised hardware: Attackers can use compromised hardware, such as PCI peripherals, to execute malicious activities or gain control over systems without traditional file-based methods.
• Execution of applications and scripts: Fileless malware can exploit vulnerabilities in software applications or scripts to perform malicious actions, bypassing the need for traditional executable files.
• Malware manifestations: Infections can manifest through various means, including exploits in flash applications, malicious executables, or compromised firmware in hardware devices.

Properly classifying these threats is crucial for effective detection and prevention. Given their potential impact, preventing fileless attacks is of utmost importance to maintain robust security.

Way forward

Prioritizing security measures to prevent fileless attacks is essential. To help with this, Security Quotient’s research team has developed an informative carousel titled ‘How to prevent fileless attacks.’ Implementing these best practices is vital for maintaining a secure environment and safeguarding your systems from potential risks.