How can malware be hidden within legitimate-looking files?
Malware can be hidden within legitimate-looking files by using techniques such as file extension manipulation, file compression, and file encryption. Attackers may change the file extension to make it appear harmless, or compress and encrypt the malware to evade detection by antivirus software. It is crucial to be cautious when opening files from unknown sources and to use reliable antivirus software to scan files before opening them.
The best way to hide malware within legitimate-looking files is to embed it within a popular document format such as PDF or Microsoft Office files. By exploiting vulnerabilities in these file formats, attackers can insert malicious code that will execute when the file is opened. This allows them to bypass antivirus scans and deceive unsuspecting users into downloading and executing the malware.