While many people don’t think about malware developers improving their skills, that’s often a critical part of their equation. Malware developers have to stay ahead of the curve. Otherwise, their malicious attacks won’t be effective.
By understanding which programming languages malware developers use and the reasons behind those choices, you put yourself in a position to prevent potential attacks. You can develop skills or champion solutions designed to thwart these vectors, enhancing security at your company.
If you’re wondering which languages malware developers are using and why, here’s what you need to know.
The Most Popular Programming Languages with Malware Developers
Overall, malware developers may flock to any language that they believe gives them an advantage. As a result, the techniques of yesteryear often give way to newer options, particularly those that companies aren’t prepared to defend against fully.
As a result, malware developers are more inclined to explore “exotic” languages, particularly as a means of gaining entry into systems. Today, the most popular programming languages with malware developers include:
- DLang
- Go
- Nim
- Rust
Each of those opens a different proverbial door. In the end, they are becoming prevalent among malware developers looking for new attack paths.
Why Malware Developers Use Those Programming Languages
The main reason that malware developers are turning to more exotic languages is that companies aren’t as well prepared to defend against them. Ultimately, malware developers need to find effective mechanisms for hiding their malicious code from various security tools.
Additionally, they may need to refresh their legacy code to reduce their odds of detection or to execute more advanced attacks. In some cases, older languages don’t have the same level of capability, making them less ideal for specific attack types.
In either of those scenarios, the exotic languages are most often used during the first stage of attacks. They increase the odds of a successful entry into a system, as the malicious code featuring them may not be as detectable with common security tools.
While most security measures know how to identify code issues when exposed to C, C++, Python, JavaScript, and similar broadly used languages, they may not be designed to achieve the same level of performance with exotic languages. Mainly, this is because these languages aren’t as well researched and aren’t broadly known.
That unfamiliarity works in the attackers’ favor, as conventional approaches may not identify or prevent the attacks. By wrapping older malware in a loader or dropper featuring an exotic language, they may have easier breaching systems.
However, there are some other motivators in play. At times, attackers want to set themselves apart from other malware developers. By traveling a route less taken, they may have more clout in their communities, giving them another kind of reward for their efforts.
Ultimately, each of the languages needs to be on people’s radars. That way, solutions for the emerging malware can be developed, increasing the odds that companies can keep their systems safe.
If you’d like to find out more, the staff at The Squires Group wants to hear from you. Contact us today.
