The global cybersecurity market is growing rapidly as cybercriminals become more sophisticated and effective. However, the defenses used to protect against these criminals are not evolving at the same pace. One example of this is the surge in modern battlefield attacks, which have seen a 1,400% increase in activity in recent years. Traditional detection-based solutions are not equipped to handle these attacks, as they primarily rely on detecting executables and leave behind evidence. However, modern attacks increasingly target device memory during runtime, leaving traditional defenders with limited visibility.
To understand the invisibility of these attacks, it’s important to consider how a security solution would scan an application while it’s in use. Scanning device memory multiple times during an application’s lifetime would greatly slow down the application and impact productivity. Additionally, memory scanners that examine specific memory regions at specific times and parameters only provide limited insight. Furthermore, modern battlefield threats often leverage obfuscation techniques, making them even more difficult to detect.
These attacks also sidestep or tamper with the hooks most solutions use to spot attacks in progress, allowing attackers to linger undetected for extended periods. For example, remote access trojans and info stealers can stay in a network for an average of 11 to 45 days. The modern cyber battlefield includes a wide range of threats, such as ransomware, which may not be directly associated with memory runtime attacks but still require infiltration of networks and escalation of privileges that occur in memory at runtime.
To combat these threats, it is crucial to focus on stopping threats against application memory during runtime rather than solely relying on detection. One effective solution is Defense-in-Depth, which includes a security layer that prevents memory compromise from occurring in the first place. Automated Moving Target Defense (AMTD) is a technology option that creates a dynamic attack surface by morphing application memory, APIs, and operating system resources during runtime. This technology proactively blocks attacks without the need for signatures or recognizable behaviors, making modern battlefield attacks a thing of the past.
In conclusion, the global cybersecurity market is facing a significant challenge as cybercriminals continue to advance their techniques. The surge in modern battlefield attacks highlights the limitations of traditional detection-based solutions and the need for proactive defense measures. By focusing on stopping threats against application memory during runtime and implementing technologies like AMTD, organizations can better protect themselves from these sophisticated attacks.
Key Points:
1. The global cybersecurity market is growing due to the increasing sophistication of cybercriminals.
2. Traditional detection-based solutions are not equipped to handle modern battlefield attacks.
3. Modern attacks target device memory during runtime, leaving defenders with limited visibility.
4. Defense-in-Depth and technologies like AMTD can proactively block attacks by preventing memory compromise.
5. Focusing on stopping threats against application memory during runtime is crucial for effective cybersecurity.