“Living-off-the-Land” (LotL) attacks are stealthy, effective, and increasingly common. But what does it actually mean?
🔍 What is LotL?
Attackers use legitimate tools already present in your environment — like PowerShell, WMI, or PsExec — to carry out malicious actions. No malware needed.
⚠️ Why It’s Dangerous
- Hard to detect: No new files or binaries
- Blends in: Uses trusted processes
- Often missed: Traditional AV may not flag it
🛡️ How to Spot LotL Activity
- Monitor command-line arguments
- Flag unusual use of admin tools
- Track lateral movement using built-in OS utilities
🛠 Tip: WithSecure Elements EDR can detect LotL behavior by correlating process activity and user behavior.
💡 LotL attacks are a reminder that security isn’t just about what’s added — it’s about how what’s already there is used.
💬 What’s your strategy for detecting LotL attacks?
