Malware Questions and Answers
Introduction
This page is dedicated for malware questions in which I address live on stream.
2023-06-28
but no thanks, i'll pass on your request.
— Jonathan Scott (@jonathandata1) June 28, 2023
I have a question though...
If someone exploits software, firmware, or hardware...does that make them a malware developer?
Q: If someone exploits software, firmware, or hardware…does that make them a malware developer?
FACT: An exploit is code designed to take advantage of a security flaw or vulnerability, in an application or computer system, typically for malicious purposes.
FACT: Additionally, malware is defined as malicious software.
FACT: Permanent software programmed into a read-only memory.
A: If someone create an exploit, this is code usually created with malicious intent, as such can be considered malware and the person who created it a developer.
A: Firmware could be exploited, as a result this code could be created with malicious intent, as such can be considered malware and the person who created a developer.
A: Hardware could be exploited using hardware or software or a combination of both. As a result, any software developed for its exploitation could be considered malware if it’s created with malicious intent, the creation of the software would make the person who created it a developer.
Summary: Typically, a malware developer writes malicious software with more features that are not necessarily just exploits. Whereas, an exploit developer is a term that better describes a person who writes malicious software with the sole purpose of exploiting systems without the additional features. For the most part yes, it does make them a malware developer. However, there are exceptions, limitations and better terms to describe them, which is covered in the aforementioned answers provided.