Malware Detection, Classification, Disarm and Defense with Application of Machine Learning, Natural Language Processing and Fuzzing Techniques

PhD Qualifying Examination


Title: "Malware Detection, Classification, Disarm and Defense with 
Application of Machine Learning, Natural Language Processing and Fuzzing 
Techniques"

by

Mr. Anthony Cheuk Tung LAI


Abstract:

In the last two decades, cyber security incident and attack have been 
dealt with various methods. Most of these defense methods are highly 
dependent on security vendors’ products, such as malware quarantine with 
anti-virus software[MAL2] and attack traffic blocking via intrusion 
prevention system and firewall. However, these methods could still suffer 
from sophisticated cyber attacks, including Advanced Persistent Threat 
(APT)[MAL19] and data exfiltration through common network protocols like 
Domain Name Service (DNS), which are highly stealthy and difficult to 
detect due to code obfuscation and manipulation of vulnerabilities of 
different technologies. In addition, legitimate data flow and system 
process may be halted by these defense methods. Therefore, cyber security 
incident detection has been an ongoing research area.

In this survey report, we will exhibit popular analysis methods of cyber 
attack and malware via static analysis and dynamic analysis, as well as 
code analysis for vulnerability identification and malware disarm. We will 
also discuss the detection methods for unknown attack and malware with the 
application of machine learning and natural language processing.

Keywords: Cyber Threat, Cyber Attack, Malware, Machine Learning, Natural 
Language Processing, Code Analysis, Fuzzing, Vulnerability, Reverse 
Engineering, Bug Hunting, Exploitability


Date:			Monday, 13 August 2018

Time:                  	3:00pm - 5:00pm

Venue:                  Room 3494
                         Lifts 25/26

Committee Members:	Dr. Jogesh Muppala (Supervisor)
 			Prof. Shing-Chi Cheung (Chairperson)
 			Dr. Tao Wang
 			Prof. Dit-Yan Yeung
 			Dr. Ricci Ieong


**** ALL are Welcome ****