2026 64-Bits Malware Trend, (Mon, Feb 16th)
Summary
The article discusses the prevalence of 32-bit malware in 2022 and questions whether the trend continues in 2026 despite the increasing adoption of 64-bit systems. It notes that 32-bit malware remains popular due to its ability to target a wider range of Windows computers, even on 64-bit architectures.
IFF Assessment
The continued use of 32-bit malware as a common denominator means defenders need to continue to protect against this older format.
Severity
Defender Context
Defenders need to remain vigilant against 32-bit malware even as 64-bit systems become more prevalent. This is important because 32-bit applications can run on 64-bit Windows systems, so threat actors continue to create malware in this format to maximize the number of systems they can target. Network and host-based intrusion detection systems must be configured to identify and block 32-bit malware, and security policies should discourage the use of legacy software.