Preface

Given the current dynamics of Internet innovation, research, and development, the proper provision of cyber security has become essential for governments, businesses, industries, and academic institutions worldwide. Malware detection and defense continue to be most challenging for network administrators and cyber critical infrastructures across the globe. Hardware and software vulnerabilities are often exploited via malware, which may compromise cyber system integrity and business continuity. The evolution of malicious malware drives the evolution of new malware detection and defense in support of the resilience and reliability of cyber systems.

The most common cyberattacks are caused by malware (malicious software). Common malicious software tools today include viruses, spyware, worms, trojans, ransomware, rootkits, keyloggers, and more. These tools can take control of an infected computer and compromise the system's integrity, ultimately causing a shutdown. Numerous reports indicate that close to a half million cyberattacks are caused by malware. Given the computational complexity of the current Internet and cyber critical infrastructures, the number of malware has and will continue to increase dramatically.

The book provides a comprehensive overview of malware detection and protection in support of creating reliable and resilient cyber and computer security mechanisms. Each chapter brings to light the most recent theoretical and applied research findings, accompanied by practical case studies. The book is an excellent reference for cybersecurity professionals, practitioners, scholars, and students. It promotes the creation of global interdisciplinary research teams to face new cyber challenges today and in years to come.

> **Eduard Babulak** National Science Foundation, Alexandria, VA, USA

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Section 1

Social Impact
