Version 1
: Received: 13 December 2023 / Approved: 13 December 2023 / Online: 13 December 2023 (05:24:07 CET)
How to cite:
Liu, S.; Chen, X. Applying Moving Target Defense Against Data Theft Ransomware on Windows OS. Preprints2023, 2023120948. https://doi.org/10.20944/preprints202312.0948.v1
Liu, S.; Chen, X. Applying Moving Target Defense Against Data Theft Ransomware on Windows OS. Preprints 2023, 2023120948. https://doi.org/10.20944/preprints202312.0948.v1
Liu, S.; Chen, X. Applying Moving Target Defense Against Data Theft Ransomware on Windows OS. Preprints2023, 2023120948. https://doi.org/10.20944/preprints202312.0948.v1
APA Style
Liu, S., & Chen, X. (2023). Applying Moving Target Defense Against Data Theft Ransomware on Windows OS. Preprints. https://doi.org/10.20944/preprints202312.0948.v1
Chicago/Turabian Style
Liu, S. and Xin Chen. 2023 "Applying Moving Target Defense Against Data Theft Ransomware on Windows OS" Preprints. https://doi.org/10.20944/preprints202312.0948.v1
Abstract
This study addresses the escalating threat of data theft ransomware, a form of cyberattack that exfiltrates sensitive information from victim networks and demands ransom for its non-disclosure. Unlike traditional crypto-ransomware, data theft ransomware leverages various infiltration techniques to gain unauthorized access and control over critical data assets. The study introduces a novel Moving Target Defense (MTD) framework, specifically designed for the Windows operating system environment, to counter these sophisticated attacks. MTD increases the unpredictability of the system by dynamically altering its configurations, thereby disrupting the adversary's ability to execute successful attacks. Our research includes the development and empirical evaluation of the MTD framework, demonstrating its effectiveness in reducing ransomware operational capabilities through quantitative analysis, qualitative observations, and statistical significance testing. We also explore the challenges and complexities involved in implementing MTD in real-world scenarios and propose strategies to overcome these barriers. The study concludes with recommendations for future research directions and the potential of MTD in enhancing cybersecurity defense mechanisms.
Keywords
Cybersecurity; Data Theft; Moving Target Defense; Ransomware; Risk Mitigation; Windows OS
Subject
Computer Science and Mathematics, Computer Science
Copyright:
This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
