By Ashwani Mishra, Editor-Technology, 63SATS
Karnataka has taken a bold step by appointing 16 cyber technicians to combat digital threats. However, cybercriminals are staying ahead of the curve with a new, shape-shifting enemy—polymorphic malware.
Dubbed the “digital chameleon” by investigators, this malware mutates its code continuously, making detection an uphill battle for security systems.
Despite the state’s efforts, the numbers paint a grim picture.
In 2024 alone, cybercriminals siphoned off nearly ₹2,900 crore, with authorities managing to crack only 1,248 out of 20,092 cases. Traditional security measures, which rely on signature-based detection, are struggling to keep pace with malware that never looks the same twice.
The Rise of the Digital Chameleon
Unlike traditional malware, which maintains a consistent structure, polymorphic malware adapts in real time, altering its code with each infection.
This dynamic nature allows it to slip past antivirus programs, firewalls, and signature-based security solutions undetected. Every time it spreads, it changes its DNA—encrypting itself, scrambling its structure, and modifying its code—ensuring it remains a step ahead of investigators.
Traditional cybersecurity tools function much like police databases, identifying threats by comparing them to a known list of virus “signatures.” But when a threat is constantly changing, the database becomes ineffective, allowing these digital chameleons to operate in the shadows.
Karnataka’s Counterattack: Upgrading Cyber Defenses
Karnataka has long been a pioneer in cyber law enforcement, being the first state to establish a dedicated cybercrime police station. Now, to keep up with polymorphic threats, the state is planning a major upgrade to its Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) with advanced threat detection tools.
Since 2019, Karnataka has trained 176 judicial officers and 984 police personnel, with 3,799 officials undergoing online cybersecurity training. However, outdated security infrastructure remains the biggest hurdle in fighting modern cyber threats.
The solution? A shift from reactive security to proactive, AI-driven defense mechanisms. Experts suggest implementing behaviour-based detection models, which analyze real-time system behavior instead of relying on pre-identified malware signatures.
Beyond Karnataka
The rise of polymorphic malware is not just Karnataka’s problem—it’s a global cybersecurity crisis. Cybercriminals are now weaponizing artificial intelligence and automation to create ever-evolving malware strains that traditional defenses cannot counter.
To combat these threats, organizations and governments must transition to next-generation security frameworks. Extended Detection and Response (XDR), AI-driven anomaly detection, and zero-trust architecture are critical in staying ahead of these digital chameleons.
