Fileless Malware on Linux: Anatomy of an Attack

Recent years have demonstrated that Windows users are not the only ones who should be concerned about malware. Linux is becoming an increasingly popular target among malware operators due to the growing popularity of the open-source OS and the high-value devices it powers worldwide. Security researchers from AT&T Alien Labs are now warning that cyber gangs have started infecting Linux machines via a fileless malware installation technique that until recently was more commonly used against Windows-based systems. So what exactly is fileless malware and how does a fileless malware attack on Linux work? This article will provide you with answers to these questions by honing in on the anatomy of a Linux fileless malware attack – equipping you with the knowledge necessary to secure your systems and your data against this stealthy and malicious threat. Let’s begin by exploring the concept of fileless malware.