6 Best Malware Detection & Analysis Tools (2024)

List of the best malware detection tools

Our methodology for selecting a good Security Event Manager tool

When looking for a decent SEM tool, you need to make sure that certain functions are included in your choice:

• Event registration -... obviously!
• Intelligence - it should be intelligent enough to interpret recorded events. At the very least, it should be able to detect basic suspicious activity from the start, with use case models and default configurations.
• Flexibility - the ability to search logs and data in both structured and unstructured ways.
• Responsiveness - being able to give the right type of alerts, at the right time, for the right reasons or suspicions, and to the right user or administrator.
• Limitless limits - an elastic ability to respond to all user requests by exploiting all available data to produce clear, concise, accurate, and understandable reports.
• Compatibility - ability to integrate with as many hardware and software solutions for easy and seamless integration across a wide range of networks.
• Cloud computing capabilities - we are in the era of cloud computing and this technology continues to be widely adopted, so it's critical that your new SEM solution is also compatible.

That said, let's move on to the top five malware detection and analysis tools for your network.

1. CrowdStrike Falcon.

CrowdStrike Falcon is an Endpoint Protection (EPP) platform. It does not operate on network event data, but collects event information on individual endpoints and then transmits it across the network to an analytics engine. As such, it is a SIEM tool. The activity controller is an agent that resides on each protected terminal. The analytics engine resides in the Cloud on the CrowdStrike server. It is therefore a hybrid solution on site/in the cloud.

Features

• Protects endpoints
• Endpoint event data sharing
• Creates a response platform
• Cloud coordination
• Anomaly detection

The EPP is composed of modules and marketed in editions. Each edition has a different list of modules, but all include the Falcon Protect system. Falcon Protect is a next-generation antivirus that monitors processes at an endpoint rather than using the traditional method of analyzing known malware files.

The agent on the terminal composes event logs from process activities and then forwards these records to the CrowdStrike server for analysis. A traditional SEM works with live data. However, Falcon Protect only uses a logging process to gather and transmit events to the analytics engine, so it's live data. It is still an SEM, because it is capable of immediately reporting malicious activity and it does not look for its source in historical records of events.

One of the benefits of separating Falcon Prevent's data collection and analysis processes is that event data is stored for secondary analysis. Operating on live data sometimes makes it possible to miss suspicious activities implemented by manipulating authorized processes. Some malicious activities can only be detected over time by connecting apparently innocent actions that can be akin to a data theft attempt or a sabotage event.

Benefits

• It doesn't rely solely on log files to detect threats, but uses process analysis to find threats immediately.
• Acts as a HIDS and endpoint protection tool in a single tool.
• Can track and report abnormal behavior over time, improving as it monitors the network
• Can be installed on site or directly in a cloud architecture.
• Lightweight agents won't slow down servers or end user devices.

Disadvantages

• Would benefit from a longer trial period

CrowdStrike packages include threat prevention, threat analysis, and device control modules. The basic package is called Falcon Pro and the higher plans are Falcon Enterprise and Falcon Premium. CrowdStrike also offers a managed cybersecurity service called Falcon Complete.

CrowdStrike offers a 15-day free Falcon Pro trial.

CrowdStrike Falcon is our top choice for malware detection and analysis because it brings an innovation to the traditional antivirus model of maintaining a virus signature database. The CrowdStrike Falcon system includes AI methods to detect new viruses and automatically implements blocking procedures. Each new discovery is shared by the entire community of service users, making it possible to quickly deploy antivirus defenses around the world.

Operating system: Windows, Linux, macOS

2. SolarWinds Security Event Manager.

SolarWinds Security Event Manager (SEM) is a leader in intrusion detection and threat suppression technology solutions. He was previously known as Log & Event Manager (LEM).

Features

• On-site package
• Collecting and consolidating newspapers
• Centralized threat hunting
• Orchestration of responses

To be honest, it is a tool that has everything it takes to ensure the security of a network. It is an SEM that helps network administration and security personnel better detect, respond to, and report on malicious software or suspicious activity, and many people agree with us.

Other features to note:

• The price won't break the bank - SolarWinds proves that quality doesn't have to mean high prices.
• SolarWinds Security Event Manager has a user interface that is easy to learn, navigate, and master.
• The SEM File Integrity Monitor (FIM) monitors Windows files, folders, critical system files, and registry keys to ensure that they are not tampered with.
• SEM can also be used to monitor Active Directory events, including the creation or removal of user accounts and groups, or other suspicious activity like logging in.
• One of the best threat detections and automated reporting capabilities make working with this SEM a pleasure.
• SolarWinds Security Event Manager is known for being a robust system that can handle huge amounts of logged data from a large number of nodes.
• Finally, Security Event Manager also makes it possible to determine in advance the weak points that could be exploited or used against a network, and then to remedy them automatically so that they are corrected as soon as possible.

Benefits

• Built for businesses, it can monitor Windows, Linux, Unix, and Mac operating systems.
• Supports tools like Snort, allowing SEM to be part of a larger NIDS strategy.
• Over 700 pre-configured alerts, correlation rules, and detection models provide immediate information upon installation.
• Threat response rules are easy to develop and use intelligent reports to reduce false positives.
• Integrated reporting and dashboard functions reduce the number of ancillary tools you need for your IDS.

Disadvantages

• Feature density - it takes time to fully explore all features.

One point that would make anyone biased toward SolarWinds SEM is the fact that the company doesn't show you the door once you've made a purchase. On the contrary, its support services have been rewarded and continue to help its customers accelerate their business results. You can download SolarWinds Security Event Manager for a free 30-day trial.

3. LogRhythm NextGen SIEM.

LogRhythm NextGen combines log management, security analysis, and endpoint monitoring, making it a powerful tool for identifying threats and thwarting breaches.

Features

• Cloud service
• Analysis of user and entity behavior
• Zero-day detection

LogRhythm SIEM has a unique characteristic that makes it stand out from the crowd: its threat lifecycle management process. In order to make it effective in detecting and stopping threats, this company has developed a unique approach to tackle this task with end-to-end threat processing capabilities.

In other words, with this SIEM solution, all threats are managed in one place - from detection to response and recovery.

Additionally, LogRhythm uses data analytics to spot threats before they cause significant harm, if at all. SIEM shows administrators the detailed activities of all connected devices, allowing them to predict future threats based on experiences Anterior. Once they spot these suspicious behaviors, they can stop them before they happen, or as soon as they're detected.

Other features of LogRhythm:

• LogRhythm Enterprise [PDF] is intended for larger network environments and comes with an arsenal of tools.
• As for LogRhythm XM [PDF], it is intended for SMEs whose reach and processing power are lower.
• The company also offers a hardware option as well as LogRhythm Cloud - a cloud solution for customers who prefer not to worry about overheads or hardware maintenance.

All of this is accompanied by a SIEM solution that has, unsurprisingly, been named the best security information and event management software of 2019 by Gartner.

Benefits

• Uses simple wizards to set up log collection and other security tasks, making it a more beginner-friendly tool.
• Sleek, highly customizable, and visually appealing interface.
• Leverages artificial intelligence and machine learning for behavior analysis.

Disadvantages

• Would like to see a trial option
• Cross-platform support would be a welcome feature.

4. Splunk Enterprise Security.

It is also another highly rated SIEM solution. A free version allows users to see the quality of this solution. While you can only index 500MB per day, that's enough to show why Splunk ES has earned praise.

Features

• An effective analysis tool
• SIEM add-in
• Good for hybrid environments

Looking at a few more details, we have:

• The Splunk Enterprise Security use case library reinforces an organization's security presence; with over 50 cases available, there is no shortage of plans and models that can be used right out of the box and are organized into categories: abuse, adversarial tactics, best practices, cloud security, malware, and vulnerability.
• At the same time, security events can be grouped by distinct segments, host types, sources, assets, and geographic locations.
• Splunk ES has the ability to analyze nearly any data format from numerous sources - logs, databases, views, etc. - and then bring them together through standardization.
• This SIEM tool has direct correspondence with malware knowledge base websites, such as Mitre Att&ck, and applies strategies such as Cyber Kill Chain, the 20 CIS controls And the NIST cybersecurity framework ; Splunk ES is therefore able to stay up to date and stay ahead of the latest attack methods.
• Able to work with a wide range of machine data, whether it comes from local sources or from the cloud.
• A pretty unique feature that makes Splunk great is its ability to send alerts and notifications using Webhooks for third-party applications like Slack (across multiple channels, no less).
• Splunk Enterprise Security is also another SIEM solution that has received excellent reviews. criticisms from Gartner.

To be honest, the only complaint you can make about this SIEM is its price - the license could be out of reach for many SMEs.

Benefits

• Can use behavior analysis to detect threats that are not discovered by newspapers.
• Great user interface - very visual with easy customization options
• Easy priority of events
• Business-focused
• Available for Linux and Windows

Disadvantages

• Pricing is not transparent, you have to ask the seller for a quote.
• More suited to larger businesses
• Uses search processing language (SPL) for queries, making the learning curve steeper

5. McAfee Enterprise Security Manager

McAfee Enterprise Security Manager (SEM) comes from a well-established digital brand in antivirus and anti-malware that has been at the forefront of the industry for years. For skeptics, there's one fact they need to consider: McAfee's vast array of tools alone can serve as a data source, alleviating the problems of integrating and standardizing data from systems, networks, databases, and applications.

Features

• Gathers event data from McAfee Endpoint Protection
• Forecasts
• Service desk integration

In addition to its own tools and products, McAfee also enables the standardization of data from products manufactured by its numerous companies. partners.

Other great features include McAfee ESM:

• A set of ready-to-use dashboards, rules, correlations, and reports that automatically monitor compliance.
• Real-time visibility, log extraction, analysis, and data storage from a wide range of sources.
• Easy integration into almost any complex network and system configuration.
• Creation of detailed sit-reps by combining collected data with contextual information about users, assets, vulnerabilities, and of course threats.
• High system integration when it comes to other supporting IT systems, such as ticket creation and management systems, which will most likely require McAfee SIEM intervention to facilitate problem troubleshooting and resolution.
• Forecast of potential threats by correlating the information collected and prioritizing their urgency.

Again, the main advantage of this SIEM over other similar solutions is that McAfee has its own line of suites that can serve as log data sources - over 430, to be a bit more precise. This familiarity makes it possible to reduce the downtime spent on standardization, and therefore reaction times, which is appreciated in large networks.

Benefits

• Uses a powerful correlation engine to help find and eliminate threats more quickly
• Integrates well into Active Directory environments
• Built for large networks

Disadvantages

• Fenced and often overwhelming
• Should contact sales for a quote
• More integration options are needed
• is quite resource-intensive

6. Micro Focus ArcSight ESM.

Micro Focus ArcSight ESM is an enterprise security manager that has been around for nearly two decades. Over these years, it has continued to grow and evolve to become the great tool for analyzing and detecting networked malware that it is today.

Features

• Well tested through long term use
• Fast treatment
• Good for MSSPs

This tool can claim to be one of the best SIEM tools on the market thanks to its ability to meet all scalability requirements, as it can now analyze 100,000 events per second!

Has a new supplier joined your network? No problem, the structured data in this SIEM can easily be used by third-party applications. In addition, theAcquisition of Interset, a security analytics software company, earlier this year, means the company aims to improve ArcSight's behavioral analysis and machine learning capabilities.

With all of these features, it's clear that ArcSight is the ideal SIEM tool for complex system-on-a-chip (SOC) environments and managed security service providers (MSSP). It's also a truly infrastructure-independent SIEM tool, whose services can be delivered through software, hardware, and cloud services like Amazon Web Services (AWS) and Microsoft Azure.

Additionally, distributed correlation allows for scalability, and as a result, ArcSight SIEMs can grow as fast and as big as they need to and reduce the time between mean time to detect (MTTD) and average time to response (MTTR).

Finally, the entire suite has a multitude of new user interface options, which means that ArcSight now comes with new graphics, dashboards, consoles, etc. that make fighting malware easy and enjoyable. Additionally, a large number of solutions and use case packages help build a solid defense that can then be shared (using rule sets and logic) between customers or businesses facing similar problems.

Overall, it's a great SEM tool!

Benefits

• Built to scale, it can process 100,000 events per second.
• Ideal for MSPs and multi-tenant reselling
• Search and filtering work well, allowing sorting by applications, customers, or traffic sources.

Disadvantages

• I would like to make it easier to customize the look and feel of the main dashboard.

What anti-malware tool options are available?

Network administrators can address these malware issues in a number of ways, including:

• Installing antiviruses and antimalware solutions to combat threats head-on
• Educate network users about technology in order to prevent data leaks and thefts, whether intentional or not.
• Implement and enforce policies, ensure the physical security of physical devices.
• Regular update and correction of the operating system and application software.

But once you've taken all of these protective measures, that doesn't mean your job is done. You should continue to monitor your network and the defense strategy that protects it. You'll need to keep an eye out for signs of external threats and loopholes that could open up. In the event of an imminent threat, you need to develop an effective defense strategy to implement, based on real-time analysis of behavioral data gathered from your network.

What is an SEM tool?

To understand this tool, we first need to make sure we understand what security event management is.

Security event management is the field of computer and network security that manages the process of collecting, monitoring, and reporting on security events in software, systems, or networks.

For example, an SEM tool is an application that monitors system event data (typically stored in event logs), extracts information from it, correlates it, or translates it into actionable advice, and presents it to whom to whom. It does so through a preferred notification or alert method, and with the intention of taking additional steps to address reported suspicious or malicious issues.

The source of the recorded data may be security devices such as firewalls, proxy servers, intrusion detection systems (IDS software, NIDS, HIDS, etc.), and switches or routers.

SIM vs. SEM vs. SIEM

At this point, we thought it would be a good idea to shed some light on these three closely related terms:

• SIM (security information management) : An application that automates the collection of event log data from various security and administrative devices on a network. It is a security product that is primarily used for the long-term storage of data that can then be used for ad-hoc reports.
• SEM (security event management) : In these security systems, everything happens in real time as they monitor events, standardize data entries, update dashboards, and send alerts or notifications.
• SIEM (security information and event management) : these security systems provide SIM and SEM services - they do everything from data collection to forensic analysis and reporting.

It should be noted that SEM and SEIM are used interchangeably and can both be in the form of software solutions, hardware devices, or SaaS services.

Benefits of using an SEM tool for malware detection and analysis

One of the main advantages of using an SEM tool is that it is an optimal solution to the “expenses vs expertise” conundrum. Here is the explanation:

Small businesses can't afford to spend a lot on their IT infrastructure, let alone have a team of competitive tech gurus on staff. And yet, 43% of SMEs [PDF] are the target of hacks and data breaches.

This means that an SEM becomes the optimal solution because it provides the services of a team of network security experts at a fraction of the price it would take to have them on board full-time. Indeed, once it is set up properly, it becomes a 24-hour defense system that reviews each recorded triggering event and waits to trigger the appropriate alert or response.

Armed with an SEM tool, you will be able to take care of it:

• security - malware monitoring and treatment
• Compliance - audits and reports become child's play.
• Troubleshoot - logs make it easier to test and query the network and devices
• Forensic analysis - the recorded data can provide crucial evidence and information about what happened.
• Log Management - the retrieval and storage of log data is automatic.

Summary.

Our choices (yes, there are two, we couldn't choose between them) for the best malware detection and analysis tools for your network should be SolarWinds SEM for the superior, but affordable SEM tool, as well as LogRhythm NextGen SIEM Platform for a comprehensive defense system that has unique defense strategies.

FAQ - Malicious software detection tool

What are the different types of malware?

There are 10 types of malware:

1. Virus - Malicious executable programs.
2. Trojan horse - A virus that disguises itself as a desirable file but lets other malicious software in.
3. Remote Access Trojan Horse (RAT) - Program that allows hackers to enter and take control of the desktop or webcam.
4. Ver - Malicious software that can replicate itself on a network.
5. Rootkit - Malicious software that infiltrates the operating system, making it difficult to detect or remove.
6. Fileless malware - Malware that loads directly into memory, often from an infected web page.
7. Spyware - Records user activity.
8. Keylogger - Secretly records user keystrokes.
9. Adware - Injects ads into software and web pages.
10. Bot - Performs actions against other computers without the knowledge of their owner.

What is static malware analysis?

Static malware analysis consists of analyzing malicious code and evaluating its characteristics without running it.

What is dynamic malware analysis?

Dynamic malware analysis is an evaluation method that requires malicious software to run so that its actions can be recorded.

This type of analysis should be done in an isolated environment, called a sandbox, to prevent the test from causing real damage to the host system.

In what order should you perform malware analysis techniques?

Follow these steps to perform a full malware scan:

1. Identify any files that contribute to a malicious system.
2. Perform a static analysis, examining identifiers, such as metadata and possible traces of the appearance of this software on your system. Research the data that you save.
3. Perform advanced static analysis, by reading the code and mapping how the various modules in the suite work together and what system resources or resident software it uses.
4. Perform dynamic analysis, running code in a sandbox environment that you've completely isolated from the rest of your business. Record the changes made to the system by the malware to determine its purpose.