Enhancing Malware Defense in Windows os Through Ethical Malware Development and Agile-Based Simulation Framework

Abstract

The widespread use of Windows operating systems has made them a primary target for malware attacks. While numerous studies focus on detecting and defending against such threats, there is limited research exploring the ethical development of malware to better understand its behavior and improve system defenses. This paper addresses that gap by proposing a practical and controlled approach to malware creation, designed specifically for research and educational purposes. The aim is to build and evaluate a non-malicious malware framework that can simulate real-world attack techniques without causing actual harm. Using the Agile development model, the malware was constructed in stages—comprising a dropper, a payload, and evasion methods—and tested in a secure virtual environment. Written in Python and C, the prototype was assessed through antivirus scans and performance stress tests. Results indicated that the malware avoided detection and replicated key attack behaviors, offering valuable insights into existing system vulnerabilities. This work provides a responsible methodology for studying malware in depth and contributes to the advancement of more effective and adaptive cybersecurity strategies.