polymorphism

Definition

In computing, the ability of code to change its appearance or structure while maintaining its underlying malicious functionality to evade detection.

Etymology

Derived from the Greek 'polumorphos' (many-formed), combining 'polys' (many) and 'morphe' (form), it entered biological and scientific terminology in the 19th century before being adopted by computer science.

In the news

The article distinguishes self-learning AI malware from traditional polymorphism, noting that while the latter just mechanically scrambles code, AI-driven malware intelligently adapts its behavior in real time.

You Can’t Detect an Improviser: Why Self-Learning AI Malware Ends the Detection Era

Morphisec

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