polymorphic
pah-lee-MOR-fik
Definition
Referring to software or code that repeatedly changes its underlying appearance or signature to evade detection by security systems while maintaining its original malicious function.
Etymology
Derived from the Greek words 'polys' (many) and 'morphe' (form), combined with the suffix '-ic.' It entered scientific and technical English to describe organisms or systems that can exist in multiple forms or stages.
In the news
The article contrasts traditional polymorphic malware, which uses mechanical scrambling, with new self-learning AI malware that uses intelligence to adapt its behavior in real time. This highlights that traditional detection methods based on recognizing static patterns are no longer effective.
You Can’t Detect an Improviser: Why Self-Learning AI Malware Ends the Detection Era
Read the full article ↗Morphisec