Emerging Threats: Malware in Uncommon Languages like Lisp

TL;DR

Malware authors are increasingly turning to less common programming languages like Delphi, Haskell, and Lisp to evade detection and analysis. This shift underscores the evolving tactics of cybercriminals and the need for enhanced threat intelligence.

Introduction

In the ever-evolving landscape of cybersecurity, malware authors are continually seeking new methods to evade detection and analysis. One of the latest trends involves the use of less popular programming languages such as Delphi, Haskell, and Lisp. These languages, while powerful, are less commonly used in mainstream software development, making them attractive to cybercriminals looking to fly under the radar.

The Shift to Obscure Languages

Malware authors are increasingly turning to less common programming languages to evade detection and analysis. Languages like Delphi, Haskell, and Lisp are becoming tools of choice for cybercriminals due to their relative obscurity in mainstream software development. This shift allows malware to go undetected for longer periods, as security tools and analysts are less familiar with these languages¹.

Why Lesser-Known Languages?

The use of less popular languages provides several advantages for malware authors:

• Reduced Detection: Security tools and analysts are less likely to recognize and analyze malware written in these languages.
• Complexity: Languages like Haskell and Lisp offer complex features that can be exploited to create sophisticated and hard-to-detect malware.
• Evasion Tactics: By using lesser-known languages, malware authors can bypass traditional security measures that focus on more common languages like C++ or Python.

Impact on Cybersecurity

The adoption of these languages poses significant challenges for cybersecurity professionals:

• Enhanced Threat Intelligence: Security teams need to broaden their threat intelligence capabilities to include these less common languages.
• Training and Education: There is a growing need for security analysts to be trained in recognizing and analyzing malware written in languages like Delphi, Haskell, and Lisp.
• Tool Development: Security tools must be updated to detect and analyze threats written in these languages effectively.

Conclusion

The shift towards using lesser-known programming languages in malware development highlights the evolving tactics of cybercriminals. As the cybersecurity landscape continues to change, it is crucial for security professionals to stay informed and adapt their strategies to counter these new threats. Enhanced threat intelligence, continuous training, and the development of advanced security tools are essential in mitigating the risks posed by this emerging trend.

For further insights, check the full article: Source.

References

1. (2025). “Malware in Obscure Languages”. The Register. Retrieved 2025-03-29. ↩︎