Enhancing Mac OS Malware Detection through Machine Learning and Mach-O File Analysis

Thaeler, Andrew; Yigit, Yagmur; Maglaras, Leandros A.; Buchanan, Bill; Moradpoor, Naghmeh; Russell, Gordon

Abstract

Malware research has predominantly focused on Windows and Android Operating Systems (OS), leaving Mac OS malware relatively unexplored. This paper addresses the growing threat of Mac OS malware by leveraging Machine Learning (ML) techniques. We propose a novel system for Mac malware detection that extends beyond traditional executables to include various Mach-O (Mach Object) file types. Our research encompasses feature selection, data sets, and the implementation of ML classifiers. We meticulously evaluate system performance using Precision, Recall, F1 score, and Accuracy metrics. Our findings highlight the challenges and opportunities in Mac malware detection and provide valuable insights for future research.

Citation

Thaeler, A., Yigit, Y., Maglaras, L. A., Buchanan, B., Moradpoor, N., & Russell, G. (2023, November). Enhancing Mac OS Malware Detection through Machine Learning and Mach-O File Analysis. Presented at IEEE International Workshop on Computer Aided Modeling and Design of Communication Links and Networks (CAMDAD) 2023, Edinburgh, UK

• Presentation Conference Type: Conference Paper (published)
• Conference Name: IEEE International Workshop on Computer Aided Modeling and Design of Communication Links and Networks (CAMDAD) 2023
• Start Date: Nov 6, 2023
• End Date: Nov 8, 2023
• Acceptance Date: Oct 7, 2023
• Online Publication Date: Mar 27, 2024
• Publication Date: 2023
• Deposit Date: Oct 10, 2023
• Publicly Available Date: Dec 31, 2023
• Publisher: Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE)
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Pages: 170-175
• Book Title: 2023 IEEE 28th International Workshop on Computer Aided Modeling and Design of Communication Links and Networks (CAMAD)
• ISBN: 9798350303506
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1109/CAMAD59638.2023.10478430
• Keywords: Mac OS Malware Detection, Mach-O Files, Malware Detection, Static Malware Analysis
• Public URL: http://researchrepository.napier.ac.uk/Output/3212583
• Related Public URLs: https://camad2023.ieee-camad.org/