KoutLabs
KoutLab | Kuwait Hackers Cyber Securiy Research Center
At KoutLabs, we promote innovation by bringing talented individuals together to tackle cutting-edge research problems in various areas of information security. Our supportive and diverse experts create a highly collaborative environment and there are several ongoing projects.
Research Activities
APTs and Malware Analysis:
Advanced Persistent Threats (APTs) have targeted many organizations and critical infrastructures presenting a great threat to businesses and national security. Their complexity, covertness and continuity over a long period of time suggest involvement of state-sponsored espionage to access sensitive information. In this research, we explore advanced persistent threats and develop tools to detect such malware using efficient processes by converging various techniques into a single analysis system.
Botnet Analysis & Detection:
This project involves dissecting known surveillance-ware and other botnets using static and dynamic analysis to extraction artifacts and applying machine learning to automate detections. The end goal is to devise mitigation techniques to remove the bot from hosts and take down botnet C&C.
a. Analysis of bot samples.
b. Feature extraction methods: to identify new sets of features
c. Botnet detection based on identifying behaviors
d. Mitigation methods to remove bots from hosts and take down C&C
Cybercrime in Social Networks:
Social network platforms including Twitter, Instagram and Snapchat have become widespread among internet users enabling individuals to connect with family and friends, share personal experiences, and promote business offerings. This research investigates how cybercriminals have exploited trust relationships in social networks to commit fraud, extortion and cyber-bullying activities. It also addresses how hackers can exploit social media platforms to distribute malware to steal passwords and sensitive information, and develop some techniques to combat against cybercrime.
