Microsoft and Intel are launching a new approach to detecting, analyzing and classifying computer viruses. - Geeko

Microsoft announced last Friday that it has partnered with Intel to develop an algorithm for a new approach to detecting, analyzing and classifying computer viruses. The deep learning technology resulting from the collaboration of the two high-tech giants has been dubbed STAMINA, Microsoft says on its blog. The acronym stands for "static malware-as-image network analysis", which means "static malware network analysis as images".

Cybersecurity specialists from both companies have created a tool capable of turning malware into pixels. It is then possible to obtain a representation of samples of the malware in the form of a 2D image, compatible with graphical analysis programs by artificial intelligence, explains ZDNet . However, it is necessary to crop the initial image so as not to slow down the analysis process of too many pixels.

An accuracy index of 99.07%

This manipulation "has no negative effect on the classification results," said Microsoft. It allows greater fluidity of data processing by the algorithm designed thanks to deep learning. The latter can then scan the image and determine whether an item is infected or not. A study shows that the results provided by STAMINA have an accuracy index of 99.07% and show a rate of 2.58% of false positives out of a total of 2.2 million.

Towards other collaborations between Microsoft and Intel?

Microsoft recognizes, however, that STAMINA is less efficient in analyzing "larger applications". Because of the "limits of converting billions of pixels into JPEG images and their cropping", details the American company. In these cases, metadata-based methods have advantages.

The Seattle giant explains that the study conducted with Intel is "a good starting point for other collaborative work". On its site, Intel welcomes the results of STAMINA in a period when "the versions of the viruses are more and more numerous and the traditional techniques of recognition of their signature are outdated".

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