CyberGuard dictionary / Malware
Malware Persistence
Malware persistence is a mechanism that lets malicious access or code survive a restart, logout, credential change, or interruption.
In simple terms
The attacker wants a way back after the first execution ends.
Technical explanation
Persistence can use startup entries, scheduled tasks, services, account changes, or other platform features. Responders must search for and remove all footholds, not just the currently running process.
Persistence methods let malicious activity survive a restart or a user logout. They can include scheduled tasks, services, startup entries, cloud credentials, or altered application configuration.
Examples in practice
A Trojan installs a scheduled task that relaunches its code every time the computer starts.
A machine appears clean after reboot, but an unauthorized scheduled task restarts the loader. Responders remove the task and verify that no other account or startup path can recreate it.
Why it matters
Missed persistence can make a device appear clean briefly before the infection returns.
VERIFY & LEARN MORE
Sources and further reading
- attack.mitre.orghttps://attack.mitre.org/tactics/TA0003/↗
- csrc.nist.govhttps://csrc.nist.gov/pubs/sp/800/61/r3/final↗
Published 2026-10-15 · Last updated 2026-10-15 · CyberGuard editorial content. Source links provide context; they do not imply endorsement.