Detecting computer worms in the cloud

Abstract

Computer worms are very active and new sophisticated versions continuously appear. Signature-based detection methods work with a low false-positive rate, but previously knowledge about the threat is needed. Anomaly-based intrusion detection methods are able to detect new and unknown threats, but meaningful information for correct results is necessary. We propose an anomaly-based intrusion detection mechanism for the cloud which directly profits from the virtualization technologies in general. Our proposed anomaly detection system is isolated from spreading computer worm infections and it is able to detect unknown and new appearing computer worms. Using our approach, a spreading computer worm can be detected on the spreading behavior itself without accessing or directly influencing running virtual machines of the cloud. © 2012 Springer-Verlag.