Yara-Based Emotet Malware Scanner – A Factual Analysis

Abstract

Malware is malicious software which has the ability to compromise sensitive data and disrupt systems. At present malicious software is the most efficient tool used in compromising the security of computers or any other electronic devices connected to the internet. This has become a menace owing to the rapid progress in technologies such as encryption and data hiding techniques. A highly adaptable and persistent type of malware, Emotet is well-known for its capacity to propagate via phishing emails and send out further malicious payloads, by impairing network and data security. Emotet poses a special risk since it serves as a gateway for other viruses, such as ransomware and data thieves, which can cause serious data breaches, monetary losses, and interruptions to business operations. It poses a serious danger to both individual users and big enterprises due to its advanced evasion techniques and quick network spread. In this project, distinct file signatures and byte patterns that are distinctive of the malware are identified by YARA rules in order to detect Emotet. These patterns include specific sequences used in Emotet’s payload and obfuscation techniques, allowing for precise detection within scanned files.