What is Malware Detection?

What is malware analysis

Malware is short for "malicious software". It’s a program built to infiltrate, damage, or compromise a computer system without your knowledge or consent. Cybercriminals design and unleash these harmful tools to achieve a range of destructive/criminal goals, from stealing data and sabotaging systems to committing financial fraud.

Malware detection refers to the sophisticated techniques and technologies specifically built to spot, block, and neutralize these malicious programs before they can wreak havoc. Its detection engine constantly scans, analyzes and scrutinizes every corner of your IT infrastructure for anything that seems out of place or overtly hostile.

Beyond just identifying a threat, a malware detection engine’s crucial mission is to cut down "dwell time"— a dangerous window where an attacker is undetected within your system. Shrinking this time window directly reduces the potential damage from a breach, limiting data theft, system corruption, and an adversary's ability to move freely across your network. Effective detection isn't just about finding malware, it's about swiftly containing threats before they can spread and complementing your incident response.

Common types of malware and their tactics

Malware has gone beyond a single, simple threat to a vast, ever-evolving ecosystem of malicious programs, each with its own unique characteristics, objectives, and methods of operation. The most prevalent types of malware in today's threat landscape include:

• RansomwareRansomware is a malware that holds your data hostage, encrypting it and blocking access until a ransom (usually in cryptocurrency) is paid. Victims find themselves paralyzed, unable to continue critical operations. There's also no guarantee that paying up will actually get you a working decryption key.
• Fileless MalwareUnlike ransomware, fileless malware doesn't initially install anything. Instead, it modifies system files like PowerShell or Windows Management Instrumentation (WMI), and executes directly in memory. Since the operating system sees these edited files as legitimate, traditional antivirus software misses these attacks, making them far more successful.
• SpywareSpyware can snatch passwords, PINs, payment details, and even private messages without your knowledge and consent. It can lurk on desktop browsers, critical applications, or even your mobile phone. Even if the stolen data isn't mission-critical, spyware can degrade system performance and induce a dip in organizational productivity.
• AdwareThis type of malware doesn’t install any software but tracks your surfing habits to decide which advertisements to bombard you with. The collected data is often combined with other user activity to build a detailed profile, which can then be shared or sold without your consent, inducing a breach of privacy.
• TrojansA Trojan disguises itself as something desirable or legitimate software. Once an unsuspecting user downloads it, this seemingly harmless program can seize control of their system for malicious ends. Trojans often hide in games, applications, software patches, or even as attachments in phishing emails.
• WormsWorms are self-replicating programs exploit vulnerabilities in operating systems to burrow into networks, spreading rapidly without any user interaction. They can slip in through software backdoors, unintentional vulnerabilities, or even via infected flash drives. Worms can be leveraged for distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks, data theft, or even to deploy ransomware.
• VirusesA virus is a piece of malicious code that embeds itself within an application and springs to life when that application is run. Once it infiltrates a network, a virus can be used to steal sensitive data, launch DDoS attacks, or initiate ransomware campaigns. A crucial difference from Trojans is that a virus needs its infected host application to run for it to execute and reproduce, whereas Trojans require user download, and worms don't rely on applications to execute at all
• RootkitsA Rootkit grants malicious actors remote control over a victim's computer with full admin privileges. Rootkits can be injected into applications, kernels, hypervisors, or even firmware, spreading through phishing, malicious attachments, or compromised shared drives. They’re particularly dangerous for their uncanny ability to conceal other malware, like keyloggers, making detection an even greater challenge.
• KeyloggersA specific type of spyware, keyloggers meticulously monitor user activity, capturing every keystroke. While they do have legitimate uses (think employee monitoring or parental controls), malicious keyloggers are designed to steal sensitive data like passwords, banking information, and private messages. They typically find their way in through phishing, social engineering, or malicious downloads.
• Bots/BotnetsA bot is an application that performs automated tasks on command. While many are legitimate (like search engine indexers), malicious bots are self-propagating malware that connect back to a central server. They're often used in massive numbers to form a botnet—a vast network of compromised devices that can launch broad, remotely-controlled attacks, such as crippling DDoS assaults.
• Wiper MalwareWiper is a class of malware that is designed to erase user data beyond any hope of recovery. Wipers are deployed to choke computer networks across various sectors and can also serve to meticulously cover an attacker's tracks after an intrusion, severely weakening the victim's ability to respond.

What are the indicators of a potential malware infection?

Spotting the symptoms of an infection is crucial, sometimes even before your automated systems raise an alarm. Even if advanced malware tries to remain completely invisible, certain behaviours can signal a potential system breach:

• Degraded system performanceSlow boot-up times, applications freezing or becoming unresponsive, frequent crashes, or just a general sluggishness that wasn't there before are a few signs to watch out for.
• Unexpected pop-upsUnsolicited advertisements, bizarre error messages, or new browser windows appearing out of nowhere can be a strong hint of adware or other malicious activity.
• Unauthorized system changesDid your desktop background change? Are there new toolbars you didn't install, a different homepage, or unfamiliar software suddenly appearing? These are all major red flags.
• Unusual network activityUnexplained surges in data usage, connections to unknown IP addresses, or outbound traffic heading to suspicious destinations—these could easily point to malware communicating with its command-and-control servers.

However, malware is continuosly evolving with the rise of fileless, polymorphic strains that can change their appearance or leave virtually no trace, which means these traditional, overt indicators are becoming less reliable as primary detection mechanisms. This is where behavioural analysis tools, like Next-gen Antivirus come into the picture.

How does malware detection work?

Beyond reacting to known threats, the focus is on proactively identifying and stopping novel attacks before they can take hold. The sheer volume and escalating sophistication of malware demands far more dynamic and intelligent detection mechanisms. It's a fundamental shift, moving us from merely responding to Indicators of Compromise (IOCs) to actively anticipating Indicators of Attack (IOAs).

Key detection methodologies

• Signature-based detectionThis traditional approach involves scanning files and applications for known "malware signatures”, like hash values, file sizes, specific functions, or distinct code patterns. These signatures are stored in databases, and if a scanned item matches one, it's immediately flagged as malicious. However, the catch is that this detection mechanism is ineffective with new threats. It can’t detect malware for which a signature hasn't been created yet, limiting its
• Behavioural analysis (heuristic Analysis, Machine Learning, AI)Instead of just looking for a specific fingerprint, this approach observes what a program does by monitoring its behavioUr at runtime or analyzing its static code for suspicious traits. ⁠This method detects novel and evolving threats without needing a patient zero.
• HoneypotsHoneypots are clever decoys. They are fake environments or systems that mimic valuable software applications or APIs, strategically placed to attract malware attacks. By luring attackers into these controlled traps, security teams can analyze their techniques in a controlled environment, gathering crucial threat intelligence without exposing live production systems to risk.
• File Analysis (static and dynamic)Static file analysis involves scrutinizing a file's code and structure without actually running it. Elements like file names, hashes, embedded IP addresses, and file header data are scoured to uncover malicious intent. In stark contrast, dynamic analysis executes the suspicious code within a sandbox to observe its live behavior, providing invaluable insights into its true functionality.
• File entropyThis method helps pinpoint potential malware by measuring changes in a file's data randomness or compressibility. High entropy levels often hint at the presence of dynamic malware executables or encrypted/packed malicious code, as these tend to have a more random, less predictable data distribution.
• Threat Intelligence feedsIntegrating threat intelligence feeds can boost detection accuracy. These feeds provide invaluable insights into the subtle nuances of malware, especially in complex environments like the cloud. They offer vital context on current threats, common attack vectors, and adversary tactics, empowering your security systems to anticipate and respond far more effectively.
• SIEM (Security Information and Event Management) toolsSIEM solutions collect, aggregate, and analyze security event data from every corner of an organization's infrastructure. They correlate raw findings with rich contextual data (like role changes, suspicious login attempts) to pinpoint and prioritize genuine threats. Integrating SIEM tools with Next-gen Antivirus can supercharge your endpoint security, making sense of isolated security alerts to a correlated, contextualized view of your entire security posture.

Beyond malware detection: Effective malware prevention and removal

While robust detection is absolutely crucial, preventing an infection from happening in the first place is always recommended. A strong, proactive defense reduces your attack surface and in turn reduces overall organizational risk.

Best practices for preventing malware infections

• Regular software updatesConsistently patching your operating systems, applications, and security software is critical. Updates aren't just about new features, they also contain vital security fixes that plug vulnerabilities threat actors loves to exploit.
• FirewallsFirewalls control what traffic comes in and goes out, based on predefined security rules playing a vital cog in safeguarding internal networks from external threats.
• Intrusion Detection and Prevention Systems (IDPS)IDPS constantly monitoring network traffic for anything suspicious or any known attack patterns. They not only alert you to potential intrusions but also actively block attacks in real-time, often before they can cause harm.
• User education and trainingThe human element is frequently the weakest link in cybersecurity. Many malware delivery mechanisms, like phishing and social engineering, prey on human behavior and that's why training your employees to spot such attempts, recognize suspicious links, and practice safe browsing habits is essential. The idea is to forge a "human firewall" that complements your technological defenses.
• Regular data backupsThis is your ultimate safety net in the event of a ransomware attack or data corruption. Implementing a robust and regularly tested data backup strategy is non-negotiable.
• Network segmentationNetwork segmentation divides your network into smaller, isolated compartments. This strategy limits the lateral movement of malware if one segment gets infected. It's a proven containment strategy that prevents a localized breach from spiraling into a widespread compromise.
• Least privilegeGranting users only the bare minimum access required to do their jobs exponentially reduces the potential damage if an account is compromised or an insider threat emerges.
• Network traffic monitoring and analysisContinuously watching and analyzing your network traffic for unusual patterns, anomalous connections, or unexplained data usage can provide crucial early warnings of malware activity.
• Incident response planA clear, well-documented, and regularly updated incident response plan outlines the precise steps your organization will have to take when a security incident inevitably occurs, minimizing chaos and accelerating your path to recovery.

What to look for in a malware detection solution

When you're evaluating modern malware detection solutions, here are the key features and capabilities you absolutely need to prioritize:

• Endpoint Protection (EPP/EDR)Modern Endpoint Protection Platforms (EPP) and Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) solutions should come packed with advanced capabilities like behavioral analysis, machine learning, and automated response to effectively block both known and previously unseen malware threats.
• Advanced behavioral analysis & AI/MLGiven the inherent limitations of signature-based detection, it's crucial to prioritize solutions that lean on AI and machine learning. Proactive detection of novel, polymorphic, and fileless threats is a must along with understanding and predicting malicious intent.
• Threat intelligence integrationIntegrating with threat intelligence feeds enhances detection accuracy and offers critical context on current threats, common attack vectors, and adversary tactics, allowing your security systems to anticipate and respond much more effectively.
• SIEM IntegrationLook for solutions that offer integration with Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) tools. This enables you to correlate security events across your entire infrastructure, giving you a truly holistic view of your security posture and a far more effective threat prioritization.
• Automated remediationThe solution shouldn’t just tell you if there's a problem; it should offer automated capabilities to contain, quarantine, or even remove detected threats and malware. Minimizing the need for manual intervention significantly speeds up response times and inhibits the window of opportunity for attackers.

Meet the author

Manish Mandal

Manish is a cybersecurity and product marketing expert with ManageEngine's Unified Endpoint Management and Security solution. With over five years of experience, he leverages technical expertise and storytelling to create blogs, reports, and resources that empower IT leaders to build resilient defenses against modern cyber threats.