As a business owner, it’s almost never the things you expect that throw a wrench in the system. Sure, everyday things might stress you out, but the huge headaches almost always come from things that weren’t even on your radar. Well, the same is most certainly true when it comes to stealth cybersecurity attacks. A recent report uncovered a new malware strain, dubbed “Perfctl,” that has been quietly infecting Linux systems… without detection. It’s another reminder that even trusted tools can be exploited by attackers if the right defenses aren’t in place.

So, what is Perfctl

This particular malware uses a debugging tool called perf, pre-installed on many Linux distributions, to execute malicious code. The catch? It does so while blending into normal system processes, making it nearly impossible for standard security protocols to catch it. As Wired pointed out:

“The unknown developers of the malware gave the process a name that combines the perf Linux monitoring tool and ctl, an abbreviation commonly used with command line tools. A signature characteristic of Perfctl is its use of process and file names that are identical or similar to those commonly found in Linux environments. The naming convention is one of the many ways the malware attempts to escape notice of infected users.”

The question for businesses is: How can you stay ahead of threats that not only operate in plain sight, but then cover their tracks?

Stealth Attacks: Why They’re a Growing Problem

The Perfctl malware is a perfect example of how hackers are getting better at hiding their attacks. The use of a legitimate tool to mask malicious activity is becoming a common tactic. It’s no longer enough to rely on traditional defenses like firewalls and antivirus software — you need tools and strategies that can spot unusual behavior before it becomes a problem.

Here are a few steps businesses can take to improve their defenses against stealt attacks like Perfctl:

• Continuous Monitoring: Identifying abnormal system behavior is crucial. A tool like perf, while useful, can easily be abused. Real-time monitoring can help spot when trusted tools start behaving unexpectedly.
• Regular Audits: Even trusted tools should be audited regularly. Ensuring that only the correct processes are running can help reduce the risk of hidden malware.
• Advanced Detection Tools: Standard security software might miss threats like Perfctl, but advanced threat detection tools can analyze system behavior in more depth, flagging any suspicious activity.

How Leverage Technologies Can Help

Trying to stay ahead of evolving threats isn’t easy — especially for small and medium-sized businesses that might not have the budget for extensive in-house teams. But that’s where we come in. At Leverage Technologies, we specialize in staying ahead of these types of threats. Whether it’s monitoring your systems for stealth attacks or making sure your software is fully updated, we handle the details so you can focus on your business.

If you’re looking for a cybersecurity partner that can stay ahead of the latest threats, drop us a line. We’d love to help your company stay safer out there.