How can malware be disguised to bypass antivirus software?
Malware can be disguised in various ways to evade detection by antivirus software. One common technique is to use code obfuscation, which modifies the malware's code to make it harder for antivirus programs to recognize. Another method is to employ polymorphic or metamorphic techniques, where the malware continually changes its code or behavior to avoid being detected by signature-based antivirus programs. Additionally, attackers may use packers or crypters to compress and encrypt the malware, making it more difficult for antivirus software to analyze.
Attackers can use advanced techniques like rootkit installation or process injection to hide malware within the operating system, making it extremely difficult for antivirus software to detect. They may also utilize zero-day exploits, which are vulnerabilities that are unknown to the software vendor, to bypass antivirus software's defenses. Additionally, attackers can create custom-built malware specifically designed to evade detection by a particular antivirus software, by analyzing its behavior and developing countermeasures.