The Rise of Malware-as-a-Service: A Timeline

Cybercrime has evolved rapidly over the last two decades, with one threat that has become very prominent being the “as a service” model. Specifically, in addition to Ransomware-as-a-Service (RaaS), Malware-as-a-Service (MaaS) has been developed over the last decade and a half to become a major threat to organizations of all sizes.

Gone are the days when cybercriminals needed extensive technical expertise to launch sophisticated attacks. Today, MaaS platforms empower even low-skilled actors with access to powerful malware tools and streamlined attack mechanisms, enabling cybercrime at an unprecedented scale.

Malware-as-a-Service (MaaS) Timeline

Malware has transformed dramatically over the past decade, evolving from simple tools into sophisticated, service-based ecosystems. This timeline highlights key developments in malware’s progression, from early do-it-yourself kits to the rise of Ransomware-as-a-Service (RaaS) and advanced Malware-as-a-Service (MaaS) platforms.

Early 2010s: The Foundation of Cybercrime Markets

• Emergence of Underground Forums: In the early 2010s, cybercriminal forums and marketplaces began offering hacking tools and stolen data. While not yet “as-a-service,” these platforms laid the groundwork for collaboration and monetization among cyber criminals.
• DIY Malware Kits: Basic malware kits, such as Zeus and SpyEye, allowed less-skilled actors to create customized attacks. These kits represented the first step toward the commoditization of cybercrime.

2014–2015: The Birth of Ransomware-as-a-Service

• Ransomware-as-a-Service (RaaS) Introduced: Platforms like CryptoLocker and CryptoWall popularized the RaaS model, enabling affiliates to use pre-packaged ransomware in exchange for a share of the profits.
• Bitcoin Adoption: The rise of cryptocurrencies provided a secure and anonymous payment method, fueling the growth of RaaS and other criminal services.

2016–2018: The Expansion of MaaS Offerings

• Diversification of Services: By 2016, MaaS platforms offered a range of malware types, including banking Trojans, botnets, and keyloggers. Notable examples include TrickBot and Emotet, which became infamous for their modularity and effectiveness.
• Professionalization of Cybercrime: Cybercriminals began adopting corporate structures, offering 24/7 customer support, user manuals, and service guarantees to affiliates.

2019–2020: MaaS Goes Mainstream

• Wide Adoption of Modular Malware: Malware families like Cobalt Strike and Dridex exemplified the shift toward MaaS. These tools offered scalable, customizable attack capabilities to affiliates, making them highly sought-after in underground markets.
• Nation-State Activity: Some MaaS platforms were co-opted by nation-state actors, who used them to carry out espionage campaigns under the guise of criminal activity.
• Dark Web Proliferation: The rise of dark web marketplaces made it easier than ever for buyers and sellers to connect, further accelerating the growth of MaaS.

2021–2022: The Ransomware Epidemic

• Massive Ransomware Campaigns: RaaS platforms like REvil, DarkSide, and Conti gained notoriety for high-profile attacks on critical infrastructure and multinational corporations.
• Double Extortion Techniques: Ransomware groups began exfiltrating sensitive data before encrypting systems, creating additional leverage to ensure payment.
• Increased Affiliate Participation: RaaS models continued to grow, with hundreds of affiliates participating in ransomware campaigns worldwide.

2023: The Rise of Advanced MaaS Platforms

• Sophistication of Services: MaaS platforms began integrating advanced features such as artificial intelligence for evasion, multi-stage payloads, and real-time updates.
• Data-Theft-as-a-Service: A new trend emerged, with platforms offering services focused on stealing sensitive data rather than encrypting systems.
• Collaboration Between Threat Actors: MaaS ecosystems became more interconnected, with developers, affiliates, and infrastructure providers working together seamlessly.

2024: The Era of DroidBot and Advanced RATs

• Banking Trojans Evolve: DroidBot and similar Android-based banking Trojans became flagship examples of MaaS platforms, combining advanced spyware capabilities with accessibility for low-skilled actors.
• Global Expansion: Evidence of MaaS platforms targeting new regions, such as Latin America and Southeast Asia, demonstrated their growing ambition.
• MaaS as a Cybercrime Standard: MaaS officially eclipsed traditional cybercrime models, becoming the default for launching large-scale attacks.

How Malware-as-a-Service Platforms Work

Malware-as-a-Service (MaaS) platforms operate similarly to legitimate software-as-a-service (SaaS) businesses, offering malicious tools and services to cybercriminals in an accessible, scalable, and user-friendly manner. These platforms lower the technical barriers to entry into cybercrime, allowing even novice attackers to launch sophisticated campaigns. Here’s how MaaS platforms function:

Platform Structure: MaaS platforms provide a wide range of malware types, including ransomware, banking Trojans, spyware, and remote access Trojans (RATs). These tools often come with customizable features, such as:

• Payload Modularity: Users can select specific modules (e.g., keyloggers, data exfiltration tools, or remote desktop access) to tailor the malware to their needs.
• Delivery Mechanisms: MaaS platforms often include phishing kits, exploit kits, or malicious application templates to facilitate malware delivery.

Some platforms also bundle additional services, such as command-and-control (C2) infrastructure, obfuscation tools to evade detection, and automated updates to ensure the malware remains effective.

Affiliate Model: MaaS platforms commonly adopt an affiliate model, where developers create the malware and rent it to affiliates for use in attacks. Affiliates typically pay a subscription fee, a one-time purchase cost, or a percentage of the profits generated from successful campaigns. This model benefits both parties:

• Developers: Gain a steady revenue stream without directly participating in attacks.
• Affiliates: Access powerful malware tools without needing coding expertise.

Some platforms offer tiered pricing, with higher levels granting access to advanced features or better support.

User-Friendly Interface: MaaS platforms often include intuitive dashboards, mimicking legitimate SaaS products. These dashboards allow affiliates to:

• Manage Campaigns: Track active infections, monitor stolen data, and control compromised systems.
• Customize Attacks: Configure payloads, select targets, and adjust attack parameters.
• Access Support: Receive guidance through FAQs, tutorials, and even customer support from the platform operators.

Distribution Channels: To deploy malware, affiliates leverage a variety of distribution techniques, often provided or supported by the MaaS platform:

• Phishing Emails: The most common delivery method, often accompanied by realistic branding and spear-phishing tactics.
• Malicious Websites: Compromised or fake websites that trick users into downloading the malware.
• Trojanized Apps: In the case of mobile malware like DroidBot, attackers embed malicious code in apps that mimic legitimate banking or utility software.

Monetization: MaaS platforms streamline payment processes, often relying on cryptocurrency for anonymity. Some platforms incorporate escrow services to mediate transactions between developers and affiliates, ensuring payment security for both parties. Monetization methods include:

• Ransom Demands: Affiliates collect ransom payments in ransomware campaigns.
• Data Theft and Resale: Stolen credentials or data are sold on underground marketplaces found on the dark web.
• Access Sales: Compromised systems are sold to other threat actors for secondary exploitation.

Support: Successful MaaS platforms are under continuous development to maintain their competitive edge. Developers frequently release updates to:

• Improve Malware Features: Enhance evasion techniques, add new attack capabilities, or fix bugs.
• Adapt to Defenses: Respond to advances in cybersecurity by refining their malware’s stealth and resilience.
• Expand Markets: Tailor malware for new geographic regions, industries, or platforms.

Some platforms go as far as offering customer support services so that affiliates have the tools and knowledge to maximize their attack success.

How to Protect Against Malware-as-a-Service Threats

The rise of Malware-as-a-Service (MaaS) has made sophisticated attacks more accessible to a broader pool of threat actors. Protecting against this rapidly growing threat requires a multi-layered cybersecurity strategy, combining advanced technology, proactive measures, and organizational awareness. Below are key steps organizations can take to defend against MaaS-driven threats:

Endpoint and Network Security: Malware-as-a-Service thrives on exploiting vulnerabilities in endpoint devices and network communications. To mitigate these risks, organizations must fortify their infrastructure with detection and prevention technologies:

• Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) Tools: Deploy EDR solutions to monitor and analyze endpoint activity in real-time. These tools can detect malicious behaviors like fileless malware, unusual process execution, or privilege escalation attempts often used in MaaS attacks.
• Network Monitoring and Traffic Analysis: Use tools like Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS) and Intrusion Prevention Systems (IPS) to analyze network traffic for unusual patterns, such as command-and-control (C2) communications or data exfiltration attempts. Deep Packet Inspection (DPI) can help identify hidden malware payloads within encrypted traffic.
• Regular Patching and Updates: Stay ahead of vulnerabilities by ensuring all software, hardware, and firmware are regularly updated. This reduces the risk of exploitation by MaaS operators targeting known security flaws.
• Email Filtering and Web Gateways: Deploy email security solutions to block phishing attempts—a common entry vector for MaaS-delivered malware. Web filtering tools can prevent users from accessing malicious domains linked to MaaS campaigns.

By combining robust endpoint and network defenses, organizations can significantly reduce the success rate of MaaS-driven attacks.

Zero Trust Security: The “trust but verify” approach is no longer sufficient in defending against sophisticated MaaS platforms. A Zero Trust security model minimizes the damage from potential breaches by enforcing strict access controls and continuous verification:

• Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Require MFA for all users to ensure that stolen credentials alone cannot provide access to systems or sensitive data.
• Least Privilege Access: Limit users and systems to only the data and permissions necessary for their roles. This prevents attackers from gaining access to critical assets, even if an account is compromised.
• Network Segmentation: Divide the network into isolated zones, ensuring that sensitive systems (e.g., financial databases, operational systems) are segregated from less secure environments. This containment limits lateral movement during an attack.
• Continuous Monitoring: Leverage solutions like Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) to monitor for anomalies in user behavior or device activity that could indicate a breach.

Zero Trust ensures that even if MaaS malware infiltrates the environment, its impact is minimized, and critical assets remain protected.

Threat Intelligence: MaaS platforms evolve rapidly, employing new tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs) to bypass defenses. Staying ahead requires proactive intelligence and active hunting for threats within the environment:

• Threat Intelligence Integration: Use real-time feeds to stay updated on indicators of compromise (IOCs), such as IP addresses, domains, and malware signatures associated with MaaS platforms. Leverage this intelligence to configure firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and endpoint protections.
• Proactive Threat Hunting: Assign dedicated teams or use managed services to hunt for signs of compromise within your network. This involves analyzing system logs, identifying unusual file behavior, and inspecting potential beaconing activity to C2 servers.
• Penetration Testing and Vulnerability Scanning: Regularly test your defenses by simulating MaaS-like attack scenarios. Using solutions like Penetration Testing as a Service (PTaaS) can help your organization continuously identify and validate weaknesses that MaaS operators could exploit.
• Collaborative Defense: Participate in information-sharing initiatives such as ISACs (Information Sharing and Analysis Centers) to exchange insights with industry peers about emerging MaaS threats.

By actively seeking out threats and leveraging shared intelligence, organizations can stay ahead of MaaS operators and respond to potential risks before they escalate.

"Threat Intelligence-Driven Isolation Technology: Finally, a unique strategy for protection against advanced malware threats is to utilize isolation technologies integrated with real-time threat intelligence in web and email gateways. By executing potentially unsafe content in secure environments and delivering only safe, rendered versions to users, this method mitigates risks from malicious payloads. It provides defense against unknown threats, prevents direct interaction with harmful files, and dynamically adapts to new attack techniques, reducing exposure to advanced and targeted malware campaign ” - Raj Badhwar Global CISO at Jacobs

The professionalization of cybercrime through MaaS platforms has dramatically escalated the scale and complexity of attacks. By lowering the barriers to entry, these platforms enable more actors to launch malware campaigns, increasing the threat to organizations across industries and regions.

To effectively counter the growing threat of Malware-as-a-Service (MaaS), organizations must adopt a proactive, multi-layered cybersecurity strategy. This approach should encompass robust network and endpoint security measures, the cultivation of a security-aware workforce, continuous penetration testing, and active participation in information-sharing initiatives. By addressing vulnerabilities that MaaS groups and platforms exploit, organizations can significantly reduce their risk exposure. While MaaS continues to evolve and expand, a well-executed cybersecurity strategy can mitigate its impact and safeguard critical systems, sensitive data, and operational integrity.