Advanced Threat Prevention

What is Advanced Threat Prevention?

Employing sophisticated technology, Advanced Threat Prevention (ATP) is adept at identifying, analyzing, and thwarting threats arising from malware that has evolved to outsmart conventional security methods.

Within the depicted figure, the analysis pipelines assign values to individual steps in the process. These values are skillfully amalgamated to furnish a verdict that becomes progressively more accurate, enhancing the overall efficacy of threat prevention.

How Does ATP Work?

ATP employs a comprehensive analysis pipeline for malware detection when files are submitted to the ATP service:

Firstly, through a cache lookup, the system assesses whether the file under consideration is already identified as a known malicious entity. Following this, the file undergoes rigorous scrutiny as it traverses through multiple anti-virus scanners during the anti-virus scanning phase. Concurrently, static analysis meticulously inspects the file, searching for any telltale signs of suspicion, such as unconventional instructions or irregular structure.

Taking the scrutiny a step further, the dynamic analysis assumes a pivotal role by executing the file in a real-world environment, thereby determining its behavior within a secure test bed. Dynamic analysis is the chosen methodology, especially when alternative methods raise concerns about the file's integrity, making it the most thorough analytical approach.

Throughout this process, the analysis pipelines attribute values to each step, amalgamating these values to furnish a verdict that becomes progressively more accurate. This meticulous approach ensures that the ATP service maintains its effectiveness in identifying and combatting malware.

Problems Addressed by Advanced Threat Prevention

Malicious software, commonly known as malware, poses a significant threat by disrupting network operations and collecting sensitive information on behalf of unauthorized third parties. Sophisticated targeted malware utilizes advanced techniques, embedding itself within a target's infrastructure to execute undetected malicious activities. Noteworthy targets of malware attacks include major hotel chains, metropolitan infrastructures, and financial institutions. ATP plays a crucial role in preventing these specialized, highly targeted malware instances from causing theft, espionage, and disruptions or destruction of network infrastructure and processes.

As an anti-malware solution, ATP is designed to address vulnerabilities prevalent in today's networks. One specific type of threat is Point of Sale (POS) malware, which navigates through various systems, exploiting weaknesses throughout the entire transaction lifecycle. The stealthy nature of widespread POS malware targeting retailers can lead to undetected instances, contributing to an increase in online fraud.

In the banking sector, malware adopts techniques like DNS cache poisoning, manipulating DNS settings to redirect individuals seeking legitimate banking websites to fraudulent sites. This method, known for its potency, poses a serious threat to the security of online transactions.

Additionally, ransomware emerges as a rapidly growing menace employed in extortion schemes. This type of malware locks systems by encrypting files and demands a ransom for the release of the decryption key, thereby restoring systems and administrative functions. ATP serves as a crucial defense against these diverse forms of malware, safeguarding networks from exploitation and ensuring the integrity of digital transactions.