Digital Forensics

Training Course on Detecting Fileless Malware and Living-Off-The-Land Binaries

Introduction

In the ever-evolving cyber threat landscape, fileless malware and Living-Off-The-Land Binaries (LOLBins) have become sophisticated tools used by adversaries to bypass traditional defenses. Unlike conventional malware, fileless attacks operate in-memory and utilize trusted system tools, making them highly evasive and extremely difficult to detect using standard endpoint protection systems. Organizations require advanced detection and forensic capabilities to proactively identify, neutralize, and respond to these covert threats in real time.

is designed for cybersecurity professionals, SOC analysts, incident responders, and threat hunters who are looking to enhance their advanced threat detection skill set. The program delivers real-world case studies, hands-on lab simulations, and AI-driven detection strategies to ensure participants can defend against stealthy attacks leveraging PowerShell, WMI, MSHTA, Rundll32, and other legitimate tools for malicious purposes. Upon completion, participants will be equipped to identify, analyze, and mitigate these stealthy adversarial tactics using modern behavior-based detection techniques.

Programme Curriculum

Training Course on Detecting Fileless Malware and Living-Off-The-Land Binaries

Introduction

Training Course on Detecting Fileless Malware and Living-Off-The-Land Binaries

Course Objectives

Understand the anatomy of fileless malware and LOLBins.
Identify common attack vectors for fileless threats.
Analyze the use of PowerShell and WMI in memory-resident attacks.
Implement endpoint detection and response (EDR) strategies.
Examine Windows Sysinternals tools for memory forensics.
Detect suspicious activity using behavioral analytics.
Conduct real-time memory analysis for threat detection.
Utilize AI and machine learning for anomaly detection.
Investigate privilege escalation and lateral movement via LOLBins.
Develop custom YARA rules and Sigma rules for detection.
Create an incident response playbook specific to fileless threats.
Integrate MITRE ATT&CK framework into detection pipelines.
Simulate red team vs blue team exercises to build resilience.

Target Audiences

SOC Analysts
Threat Hunters
Malware Analysts
Penetration Testers
Incident Responders
Security Engineers
Forensic Investigators
Cybersecurity Students

Course Duration: 10 days

Course Modules

Module 1: Introduction to Fileless Malware

Definition and evolution of fileless attacks
Fileless vs traditional malware
Use of native OS tools
Case Study: PowerShell-based fileless ransomware
Fileless attack kill chain overview
Threat landscape analysis

Module 2: LOLBins Exploitation Techniques

What are Living-Off-The-Land Binaries (LOLBins)?
Common LOLBins: Rundll32, Regsvr32, Certutil
Detection challenges with LOLBins
Red Team TTPs using LOLBins
Case Study: LOLBins in APT campaigns
Mapping to MITRE ATT&CK

Module 3: PowerShell Abuse in Fileless Attacks

Fileless payload delivery via PowerShell
Obfuscation techniques
Logging and telemetry for PowerShell
Use of AMSI and logging bypass
Case Study: Kovter malware
Hardening PowerShell environments

Module 4: WMI and Scheduled Task Exploitation

WMI as a persistence and execution mechanism
Detecting WMI event consumers
Task Scheduler-based execution
Analyzing Windows logs
Case Study: Fileless backdoor via WMI
SIEM correlation rules for WMI

Module 5: In-Memory Threat Detection

Memory injection techniques
Reflective DLL injection
Analysis using Volatility and Rekall
Indicators of memory compromise
Case Study: Metasploit meterpreter injection
EDR solutions comparison

Module 6: Windows Sysinternals for Investigation

Core Sysinternals tools: Autoruns, Process Explorer
Live system inspection
Registry and memory dumps
Malware behavior correlation
Case Study: LOLBins detection with Autoruns
Threat hunting cheat sheets

Module 7: AI and ML in Threat Detection

Introduction to AI for malware detection
Supervised vs unsupervised learning models
Feature engineering from system telemetry
Model training using malicious behaviors
Case Study: Detecting polymorphic fileless malware
Open-source ML tools for analysts

Module 8: MITRE ATT&CK Mapping

Overview of the ATT&CK framework
Mapping techniques to tactics and techniques
Custom detection logic
Building threat profiles
Case Study: Mapping a Lazarus Group attack
Integrating ATT&CK with SIEM

Module 9: Behavioral Analytics and SIEM Integration

What is behavioral threat detection?
Setting baselines and thresholds
SIEM log sources and parsing
Alert fatigue and false positive handling
Case Study: Detecting lateral movement using SIEM
SIEM playbook development

Module 10: Red Team Simulation

Simulating a fileless intrusion
Building a lab for red teaming
Customizing C2 frameworks
Blue team monitoring and detection
Case Study: Red team emulation using Empire
Feedback and debrief analysis

Module 11: Incident Response Planning

Incident triage and containment
Response to in-memory threats
Communication protocols
Eradication and recovery
Case Study: IR during fileless ransomware outbreak
IR policy templates

Module 12: Threat Intelligence and IOC Sharing

Threat feeds and fileless malware
IOC formats: STIX, TAXII
Enrichment techniques
IOC lifecycle management
Case Study: Sharing IOCs post-APT attack
Threat intel platforms comparison

Module 13: Advanced Forensics for Fileless Threats

Memory forensics methodology
Registry and event log parsing
Reconstructing attack timelines
Chain of custody handling
Case Study: Memory dump analysis using Volatility
Forensic report writing

Module 14: Detection Rules with YARA and Sigma

YARA rule creation and testing
Sigma rules for SIEM integration
Use cases in malware detection
Sharing and standardization of rules
Case Study: YARA rule for reflective loader detection
Rule repositories and contribution

Module 15: Future Trends in Fileless Malware

Emerging threat vectors
Cloud-native fileless attacks
LOLBins in macOS/Linux environments
Quantum computing and malware
Case Study: Fileless crypto-jacking in cloud workloads
Defensive roadmap for the future

Training Methodology

Hands-on Labs: Virtual labs simulating fileless malware environments
Live Demonstrations: Real-time analysis of LOLBins and PowerShell misuse
Case-Based Learning: Detailed case studies per module
Interactive Discussions: Collaborative threat modeling and response drills
Assessment & Certification: Practical tests and final evaluation
Access to Tools & Templates: Sigma rules, detection scripts, IOC templates

Register as a group from 3 participants for a Discount

Send us an email: info@fineskilltrainingcenter.org or call +254769199797

Certification

Upon successful completion of this training, participants will be issued with a globally- recognized certificate.

Tailor-Made Course

We also offer tailor-made courses based on your needs.

Key Notes

a. The participant must be conversant with English.

b. Upon completion of training the participant will be issued with an Authorized Training Certificate

c. Course duration is flexible and the contents can be modified to fit any number of days.

d. The course fee includes facilitation training materials, 2 coffee breaks, buffet lunch and A Certificate upon successful completion of Training.

e. One-year post-training support Consultation and Coaching provided after the course.

f. Payment should be done at least a week before commence of the training, to Fineskill Training Center account, as indicated in the invoice so as to enable us prepare better for you.

Skills & Software Covered

EDR memory analysis endpoint monitoring tools

Programme Fee

Duration: 10 Days

Method: Online or Physical

Online Price: $2,000

Physical Price: $3,000

Certification: Accredited Certificate

View Available Dates 📄 Download Course Outline (PDF)

Available Sessions

Location

Month

Year

Oct 19 2026

19 Oct — 30 Oct 2026

💻 Online / Virtual session

Online $2,000