If you keep up to date with malware, hacks, and other cybersecurity news, you may have heard of the term "in the wild". This is often used to describe certain cyberthreats, but what does it actually mean?
What Does "In the Wild" Mean?
When a malware or virus is first created and released for use by anyone, it can take a little while for cybersecurity firms to identify, research, and mitigate it. On the other hand, such firms may find it difficult to contain certain viruses or malware. During this rogue period, when the malicious program has the chance to run rampant, it is considered to be "in the wild".
As is the case in nature, when something is in the wild, it has the ability to roam from place to place on its own accord, and isn't restricted by humans. When viruses and malware are in the wild, they have the ability to spread among devices without the owners' permission.
The term "in the wild" became popular through the American comedy TV series Silicon Valley, and is now very commonly used in cybersecurity circles. The term itself stems from the WildList Organization, a group that monitors viruses and adds them to a list if they are considered to be in the wild.
A program is also considered to be in the wild when it is no longer controlled by its author. Many malware creators release their program for adoption by others, while sometimes other malicious actors will manage to find and extract the code for their own use. In either case, when a virus or malware program extends beyond the reach of just the author, and is being actively used for infection, it is in the wild.
But it's worth noting that "in the wild" can also be used to describe the use of harmless software. For example, the AI-powered chatbot ChatGPT is used in the wild in a number of ways, such as in video scripting and social media bios. But here, the term's more illicit meaning will be focused on, as it is most commonly used in cybersecurity circles.
Depending on the sophistication of a malicious program, it may remain in the wild for an extended period of time without detection. Other programs, on the other hand, never even make it to the wild, and are stopped before they get the chance to start infecting devices on a large scale.
Malicious programs will only stop being in the wild once they are successfully contained. At this point, they may be used for research purposes in a simulated environment, meaning they are now considered to be in the zoo.
What Does "In the Zoo" Mean in Cybersecurity?
There is also an adjacent term to in the wild, known as "in the zoo". This refers to malware and viruses that have only been deemed dangerous in a theoretical or simulated setting. Malicious programs are often kept around after containment for research purposes, so that hackers' methods of attack can be closely analyzed. This can help in further virus and malware prevention.
How to Steer Clear of Malware in the Wild
Malware could be considered most dangerous when in the wild, so it's important that you know how to best defend your devices from malicious programs that are on the loose.
To do this, you should first ensure that you're using a legitimate and trusted antivirus program on your devices (including your computer, laptop, phone, or tablet). Nobody likes paying for a virtual service, but when it comes to antivirus software, forking out the cash can mean the difference between a safe and infected device.
On top of this, you should always be on guard when it comes to your online communications. Nowadays, it's a little too common to just click on a provided link or attachment without first considering whether it is safe to do so. Links and attachments are among the most common malware and virus infection vectors, so it's best to use a link-checking website and be aware of the signs of malicious attachments.
To do this, you should first ensure that you're using a legitimate and trusted antivirus program on your devices (including your computer, laptop, phone, or tablet). Nobody likes paying for a virtual service, but when it comes to antivirus software, forking out the cash can mean the difference between a safe and infected device.
Viruses and Malware Pose a Serious Threat in the Wild
When a virus or malware strain exists in the wild, it can be incredibly dangerous for users around the world. While some malicious programs are quickly mitigated, others take months, or even years to contain, allowing operators to target hundreds or thousands of devices in the wild.
