The Evolution of Malware: From Simple Viruses to Sophisticated Attacks

Since computers began to be used, enterprising programmers have created programs that modify computer behavior.

The first was the Creeper virus in 1971, which displayed a message to users daring them to capture it. While this virus did not inflict any damage, it was the first to spread quickly.

Malware

What is malware? Malware is a term used to describe software hazardous to computers, tablets, phones, and servers that can impair typical performance. It consists of ransomware, bots, worms, and other types of malware. With the rise of technology, hackers have found ways to make money by creating and distributing various applications. However, their actions have caused significant harm to individuals and businesses. Instead of exploiting vulnerabilities for financial gain, hackers can channel their skills towards more constructive purposes, such as helping organizations identify and address potential security risks. We can all benefit by contributing to a safer and more secure online environment.

Worms

Computer viruses, worms, Trojan horses, ransomware, rootkits, and more are all malware. These cyberattacks have grown more sophisticated as our technology has evolved, but they're here to stay. It's essential to know how these attacks work so you can protect your organization.

The first malware programs were developed in 1984 when hackers began coding viruses in their free time at university. These were more pranks than actual attacks, as they couldn't spread from machine to machine like today's malware.

When Morris' worm infected computers and caused damage, the concept of malware took hold. It was the first time a virus spread from computer to computer, making it the first worm.

A worm is software that hides in other executable files, spreads to other files and systems by self-replication, and tunnels deep into networks. It can also execute various attacks, from crashing systems to downloading malicious applications.

Worms spread through file-sharing networks, email attachments, IM services, and more. They can even hijack search results and display fake listings on websites. Many types of malware use evasion features to avoid detection by antivirus programs. These include time delays, code obfuscation, compression formats, and steganography. They can also be designed to only activate on specific system configurations or devices.

Botnets

The most potent malware enables hackers to take control of devices and networks and use them for illicit purposes. A botnet is a group of devices compromised by malicious software and operated by attackers, commonly called bot herders. These herders seek out vulnerable devices online rather than targeting specific individuals or companies.

A typical botnet infection occurs when users unknowingly run malicious software, such as a Trojan horse program. Once infected, these Trojans install modules that enable the computer to be commanded and controlled remotely by the hacker. The herders then collect data from the infected systems and use it illicitly. A well-known example is the Zeus botnet, used to harvest end-user banking information and financial details. Cybersecurity vendors estimated that Zeus infected 3.6 million computers at its peak.

As cyberattacks evolve, botnets are advancing in their sophistication. Studies found that some botnet-enabling malware can change reaction times to mimic human behavior and evade detection for extended periods. In addition, the infamous Mirai IoT botnet has moved on from infecting traditional computers and servers to conscripting Internet of Things (IoT) devices into its attacks. It has enabled these IoT botnets to unleash massive DDoS attacks against organizations that can be difficult to detect and mitigate using traditional means.

Ransomware

Unlike viruses and worms, ransomware extorts victims' money to access their data. In the most recent cyberattacks, attackers demanded tens of millions of dollars in Bitcoin to restore health organizations' systems and services. It demonstrates that cyber attackers are continuing to refine their strategies and tools to increase the impact of an attack on their targets.

Ransomware attacks can be delivered through email attachments, malicious software apps on infected mobile devices, remote desktop protocols, and compromised websites. One way to prevent network-wide infiltration is by identifying and neutralizing threats before they encrypt data and demand payment for a decryption key. 

The latest ransomware variants take the threat to a new level by attacking a more comprehensive range of platforms. For instance, ransomware such as Petya and WannaCry took advantage of a security weakness in Microsoft's operating system to quickly spread through the internet and infect thousands of businesses across the globe.

In the early years of ransomware, attackers focused on exposing individual targets through various scare tactics and publishing bit-by-bit their stolen information to pressure victims into paying up. However, the recent surge in attacks on larger companies and public entities shows that attackers now target broader groups to maximize their profits.