How can malware be hidden within legitimate-looking files?
Malware can be hidden within legitimate-looking files by using techniques such as file obfuscation, file encryption, or file compression. These methods alter the file's structure and make it difficult for traditional antivirus software to detect the presence of malware.
One effective way to hide malware within legitimate-looking files is by using steganography. This technique involves embedding the malicious code within the pixels of an image or the data of an audio or video file. The resulting file looks and functions like a regular image or media file, but when executed, it triggers the execution of the hidden malware. This method is commonly used in advanced targeted attacks to evade detection.