Packers or crypters are widely used to protect malicious software from detection and static analysis. These auxiliary tools, through the use of compression and encryption algorithms, enable cybercriminals to prepare unique samples of malicious software for each campaign or even per victim, which complicates the work of antivirus software.
In the case of certain packers, classifying malicious software without employing dynamic analysis becomes a challenging task. To analyze a malicious sample and extract its configuration data, such as encryption keys and command and control server addresses, we must first unpack it. We can do this by running the malicious software in a sandbox environment, such as CAPE, followed by extracting the memory dumps. However, this method has some drawbacks.
Read more…
Source: Check Point
Related:
- Massive Winos 4.0 Campaigns Target Taiwan
February 20, 2026
FortiGuard Labs recently observed several targeted phishing campaigns in Taiwan that use themes designed to exploit local business processes. These campaigns disseminate Winos 4.0 (ValleyRat) and subsequent malicious plugins through weaponized attachments or embedded links. The lures mimic official communications, such as tax audit notifications, tax filing software installers, and cloud-based e-invoice downloads. Fortinet researchers analysis ...
- Arkanix Stealer: C++ and Python infostealer
February 19, 2026
In October 2025, Kaspersky researchers discovered a series of forum posts advertising a previously unknown stealer, dubbed “Arkanix Stealer” by its authors. It operated under a MaaS (malware-as-a-service) model, providing users not only with the implant but also with access to a control panel featuring configurable payloads and statistics. The set of implants included a publicly ...
- Divide and conquer: how the new Keenadu backdoor exposed links between major Android botnets
February 17, 2026
In April 2025, Kaspersky reported on a then-new iteration of the Triada backdoor that had compromised the firmware of counterfeit Android devices sold across major marketplaces. The malware was deployed to the system partitions and hooked into Zygote – the parent process for all Android apps – to infect any app on the device. This allowed ...
- RenEngine: When “free” comes at too high a price
February 11, 2026
Kaspersky researchers often describe cases of malware distribution under the guise of game cheats and pirated software. Sometimes such methods are used to spread complex malware that employs advanced techniques and sophisticated infection chains. In February 2026, researchers from Howler Cell announced the discovery of a mass campaign distributing pirated games infected with a previously unknown ...
- Approaching cyclone: Vortex Werewolf attacks Russia
February 6, 2026
In December 2025 and January 2026, BI.ZONE Threat Intelligence detected malicious activity by a new cluster Vortex Werewolf (SkyCloak). The attacks targeted Russian government and defense organizations. BI.ZONE researchers findings indicate that the adversary used phishing emails to deliver malware to the target systems. Victims received messages containing a download link disguised as a Telegram file‑sharing ...
- Dynowiper: Destructive Malware Targeting Poland’s Energy Sector
February 6, 2026
The coordinated destructive campaign against critical energy infrastructure occurred on December 29, 2025, during a period of severe winter weather in Poland. According to CERT Polska’s report, the campaign targeted: 30+ wind and solar farms across Poland; A major CHP plant supplying heat to nearly half a million customers; A manufacturing sector company characterized as an ...
