What is a key tactic adversaries use to avoid detection while controlling compromised systems?

Mimicking normal traffic is a key tactic utilized by adversaries to avoid detection because it helps blend malicious activities with legitimate network behavior. By imitating the patterns of typical user behavior and the characteristics of standard traffic, adversaries can evade security defenses that rely on identifying anomalies. When an attack or compromise generates noise that looks similar to normal operations, it becomes significantly harder for security systems and professionals to spot the malicious actions.

Adversaries may employ various techniques, such as timing their communications to coincide with peak traffic periods or emulating the volume and types of requests made by legitimate users. This approach effectively lowers the chances of triggering alerts that could prompt further investigation. By maintaining a low profile through normalization of their activities, attackers enhance their ability to maintain persistence within compromised systems.

While encrypting communications, utilizing decoys, and employing anonymity tools are all strategies that can be part of an adversary’s approach to evade detection, mimicking normal traffic is central to operating undetected in an environment where behavior-based defenses are in place. This tactic directly addresses the fundamental goal of stealthy operations within compromised networks.