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What is Fileless Malware?

Fireless malware makes advantage of the legitimate, native capabilities already present in the system. Because fileless malware does not require the attacker to install code on the victim's system, it is more difficult to identify than standard malware.

Modern attackers understand the strategies organizations use to block attacks and are designing increasingly sophisticated targeted malware to evade defenses. This is a race against time, as the most effective hacking techniques are usually the latest. Fileless malware has proven to effectively evade all but the most advanced security solutions.



How does fileless malware work?
Since it is already hidden in the system and does not require malicious software or files as an entry point, fileless malware can effectively perform destructive operations.

Due to its stealthiness, fileless malware is very difficult to detect and will damage your computer as long as it is hidden. The following are some situations in which fileless malware can be installed and perform destructive activities using your system's software, programs, and logs.

1. Entry points include phishing emails, malware downloads, and links that appear to be trustworthy.
Clicking on these pages loads them into your computer's memory, allowing hackers to remotely load software via scripts that steal and distribute personal information.

2. Applications already installed, such as JavaScript and Microsoft Word.
Capable of hijacking and executing trusted programs that are already installed with malicious code

3. The site looks legitimate but is actually harmful.
Cybercriminals have the ability to develop fake websites designed to look like official business or website pages. These sites scan users' browsers for vulnerabilities in the Flash plug-in when they visit these sites, which allows malicious code to run in the browser's memory.

The important thing is that unlike regular malware, fileless malware doesn't write to disk. Instead, fileless malware writes itself directly to RAM (random access memory), eliminating the usual signs of its presence.

What can malware without files do?
In theory, fileless malware is the same as "regular" malware. Yet, you will frequently find that there is only a little bit of risky code and even no files. Fileless malware can serve as a dropper for more complex programs like ransomware, meaning that the larger program that acts as the actual payload is initially downloaded and run. Additionally, real native applications installed on a system can undoubtedly be exploited by fileless malware during a cyberattack.

Fileless malware are common used in following instances


1. Initial admission
The first step in a cyberattack is to gain access to a system. This can entail stealing credentials or hacking an access point.

2. Assemble qualifications
Sometimes, fileless malware is used to search for credentials, enabling an attacker to leverage more entry points or increase their level of access.

3. Persistence.
To ensure they still have access, an attacker can utilize fileless malware to build a backdoor on a hacked computer.

4. Exfiltration of data.
An attacker can employ fileless malware to discover crucial information like the network configuration of the victim.

5. Dropper or payload.
A dropper installs and launches more malware on a compromised system (the payload). The payload can be loaded into memory immediately or it can be read from a distant server and introduced as a record.

How ACM Assisting Clients in Battling Fileless Malware


Implementing a multi-layered security strategy that incorporates preventive and detection techniques is the best way to assist consumers in avoiding threats from fileless malware. In order to lessen the likelihood of fileless malware attacks on their systems, we also recommend clients to keep their software updated. The likelihood of a fileless malware attack is remains high despite these safeguards. If an attack takes place, it's critical to act immediately! We are READY to recover you if your company's system is hacked. Please do not hesitate to contact us at info@achievement.com.sg or call us at 6295 5962 today!