Malware detection based on threat intelligence
- Uncover hidden infostealer malware that slipped through the cracks of traditional antimalware measures, such as EDR, XDR, and MDR.
- Identify devices and employee accounts affected by infostealers, helping you direct your cybersecurity efforts.
- Get full context on incidents, including information on infected devices and exfiltrated data, to help with your cyber response.
What is malware detection?
Malware detection traditionally refers to the process of scanning managed endpoints and network infrastructure for signs of malware. But NordLayer Intelligence by NordStellar operates on a completely different plane. Our malware detection is based on continuously monitoring the criminal underground (including dark web forums, hacker Telegram channels, and data marketplaces) for infostealer logs linked to your organization and evidence of active malware infection.
These infostealer logs contain compromised information, ready for exploitation by threat actors. NordLayer Intelligence by NordStellar’s malware detection solution focuses on recognizing these unique data artifacts, attributing them to specific infostealer families, and immediately correlating them with your organizational footprint.
NordLayer Intelligence by NordStellar
How does malware detection work?
Our malware detection solution is based on post-infection detection using threat intelligence from the dark web.
- 1
Monitoring
NordLayer Intelligence continuously monitors external threat sources (like darknet sites, underground marketplaces, private and public channels on encrypted messaging platforms, and leak boards) for signs that information from your organization has been compromised.
- 2
Data processing
Our system rapidly analyzes infostealer log records to identify relevant signals, such as credential exposure, session cookie compromise, financial data exposure, and exposed personal data.
- 3
Attribution
We then transform the bare facts into useful findings, giving your security team actionable intelligence. We filter out irrelevant data, identify the malware used in the attack, and seek out additional details (such as timestamps and leak sources) for more context.
- 4
Alerts
Next, we immediately generate prioritized alerts when malware activity linked to your assets is detected. Your security teams may be notified over regular channels, such as email or Slack, or get direct API calls to SIEM, SOAR, or TIP platforms.
- 5
Remediation
Validated intelligence gives your security team the context needed to launch a targeted response to the threat. With the information provided, you can mitigate immediate risks (for example, by changing the affected credentials), contain the infection, and strengthen your defenses against future attacks.
the risks
Why antivirus, EDR, XDR, and MDR solutions can't fully protect against infostealing malware
While antivirus, endpoint detection and response (EDR), extended detection and response (XDR), and managed detection and response (MDR) solutions all have their place in your cybersecurity framework, they can leave gaps in your defenses:
Post-compromise blind spots
EDR and XDR focus on detecting attacks in progress, but they are poorly positioned to track down infostealers that manage to slip through. They may not alert you to the fact that your sensitive data is now being sold on the dark web.
MFA bypass via session cookies
Modern infostealers can steal active browser session cookies to bypass MFA security and gain direct access to legitimate sessions. Endpoint-focused tools that don't analyze external post-compromise indicators will not protect you from this threat.
"Patient zero" (often off-network)
Many initial infections occur on personal devices used for corporate access (BYOD) or less-monitored remote endpoints. The initial attack and exfiltration can be carried out outside of secure networks to bypass EDR.
No external validation
EDR, XDR, and MDR alert you to suspicious activity, but they can’t confirm if the compromised credentials being used were bought on the dark web. Without a trusted external intelligence source, this gives threat actors a verified pathway into your environment.
Outdated cybersecurity databases
A lot of antivirus software relies on known or pattern-matching malware signatures for detection, but infostealers evolve quickly, making it hard for antivirus tools to keep up.
see the value
What can our malware detection solution reveal?
NordLayer Intelligence by NordStellar provides actionable, real-time threat intelligence derived directly from the dark web.
Compromised assets
Details about potentially infected machines, including operating systems, hardware, and IP addresses.
Personally Identifiable Information
Names, addresses, phone numbers, and other PII that can be used for identity theft, social engineering, or targeted phishing.
Evidence of session hijacking
Indicators of active session cookie compromise, which attackers use to bypass MFA and gain unauthorized access to accounts without a password.
the benefits
Why use malware detection?
Get prioritized alerts as soon as we detect threats
Our platform continuously scans data from deep and dark web sources (such as hacker forums, Telegram channels, and ransomware blogs) to identify infostealer leaks and alert your security team to malware.
Respond instantly to keep damage to a minimum
By alerting you to infostealer activity, NordLayer Intelligence by NordStellar lets you purge your systems of dangerous malware targeting login credentials, credit card details, and other sensitive information.
Keep business operations flowing without disruption
Rout budding malware issues before they escalate into costly, time-consuming problems. Smart prevention lets you keep business operations running smoothly without having to stop due to cyber incidents.
End-To-End Protection
Who else is malware detection for?
Our malware detection solution is not just for your cybersecurity team, it can also greatly benefit your regular employees and customers.
Your employees
Quick detection of infostealer malware gives your staff enough warning to reset account passwords, lock down vulnerable devices, and install security patches. This early action can secure your organization’s end points and stop further infiltration.
Your customers
By notifying your customers of leaked data quickly, you give them a chance to secure their personal and financial information before it’s exploited. Early transparency can mitigate the worst effects of infostealer incidents.
Modernize your malware defenses with NordLayer Intelligence
Detect the threats most traditional antimalware measures can’t see, and take action before the damage spreads.
beyond external vulnerability scanning
Explore more NordLayer Intelligence solutions
NordLayer Intelligence lets your cybersecurity team patch critical vulnerabilities and intervene at the earliest stages of an attack – before any real damage is done.
Dark web monitoring
Detects leaked data and company mentions across hidden online spaces, such as hacker forums, illicit marketplaces, and private Telegram channels. It helps you identify threats targeting your business in real time and protect exposed consumer and employee information before it can be exploited.
Attack surface management
Monitors internet-facing assets, such as domains, IP addresses, open ports, and outdated technologies, to identify exposed services, misconfigurations, and other security gaps. It also helps detect and verify vulnerabilities, giving your team clearer visibility into external risk before it can be exploited.
Data breach monitoring
Scans the deep and dark web for leaked sensitive information associated with your business, reviewing infostealer malware logs, leaked databases, and stolen credentials. It provides real-time alerts and full context on past and ongoing attacks to help minimize the risk of ransomware and account takeovers.
Brand protection
Identifies brand misuse and online impersonation across the web, social platforms, and app stores, and enables the quick removal of fraudulent content. It helps protect your company’s reputation and maintain customer trust, offering a detailed view of each potential threat.
Additional info
Frequently asked questions
Malware (a portmanteau of malicious software) is the umbrella term for any kind of code that is deliberately inserted into a system to cause harm. The following are common malware types:
- Infostealers are a broad category of malware designed to extract sensitive information from victims. NordLayer Intelligence by NordStellar’s malware detection solution is based on recognizing the activity of different types of infostealers.
- Spyware is a type of malware that collects information about the victim’s actions. Some malicious programs can be classified as both infostealers and spyware.
- Ransomware uses encryption to lock away important files or system functions until the victim agrees to pay a sum of money. Common ransomware attack vectors include malvertising campaigns, phishing emails, and browser exploits.
- Trojans (named after the fabled Trojan horse of antiquity) are a type of malware that try to pass off as another file to trick the victim into opening them.
- Adware is software that, like the name suggests, forcefully displays advertisements on the host device.
- Worms are programs that seek to spread through the network, infecting other devices at an exponential rate. They are instrumental in the creation of botnets.
Each malicious program causes the infected system to behave in different ways, although the vast majority of malware tries to operate under the radar. While some malware causes noticeable performance drops or high CPU usage, modern threats are designed to remain stealthy.
More reliable indicators include unauthorized password reset emails, unusual account login notifications, or the discovery of your corporate credentials on dark web marketplaces. These clandestine operations may also cause your device to start freezing up or stuttering at random times.
Infostealing malware can affect both Windows and Mac devices. Neither system is inherently more resilient to infostealers, and infostealing malware can affect both Windows and Mac devices. Although more infostealer incidents are reported on Windows, it's simply because the operating system is more popular and presents more potential targets for attackers.
Botnets are networks of compromised systems operating on the instructions of the attacker, while infostealers are malware that secretly relays sensitive data from the infected computer. Both often work in tandem: botnets provide a massive network for distributing malicious payloads, while infostealers serve as the specialized tool for harvesting and exfiltrating the data back to the attacker's infrastructure.
Malware-as-a-service is a criminal business model where hackers offer pre-packaged malicious software for sale or rent. These services are frequently used by less tech-savvy individuals to carry out cyberattacks.
When you receive a malware alert from NordLayer Intelligence by NordStellar, you should:
- Analyze the details, such as the strain of malware involved and what data was leaked.
- Contain the threat by blocking compromised accounts and taking the affected devices offline.
- Mitigate the damage by changing compromised credentials and revoking existing session cookies, for example.
- Investigate the attack using the details in NordLayer Intelligence by NordStellar’s malware alert.
- Fix the system with patches, cybersecurity software updates, and follow-up malware scans.
- Monitor the situation. Keep an eye on the affected assets for repeat attacks.
The best malware detection tools offer real-time protection and give you actionable data. Continuous monitoring is key to quickly identifying potential infections and dealing with the problem early.
For example, NordLayer Intelligence by NordStellar’s malware detection solution scours criminal channels, such as dark web marketplaces and underground chat rooms, for signs of your compromised data. Once it detects infostealers, it provides all the necessary details to resolve the issue.