Graduation Year
2026
Date of Submission
12-2025
Document Type
Campus Only Senior Thesis
Degree Name
Bachelor of Arts
Department
Mathematical Sciences
Reader 1
Mark Huber
Terms of Use & License Information
Abstract
This research analyzes the potential for system performance metrics to function as indicators of compromise for Zeus malware infection. The research question addressed is: “To what degree can changes in CPU, RAM, and network metrics be used to detect Zeus malware with statistical significance?” Due to institutional approval constraints, this study presents a methodological framework and projected outcomes based on existing literature rather than executed experiments. This study will examine clear measurable changes in CPU, memory consumption, and network activity before and after infection in a sandbox environment. The objective is to determine if general system monitoring is sufficient to serve as a security layer in malware detection programs by analyzing the statistical significance of observed changes in system performance.
Recommended Citation
Buckner, Fallyn, "Malware Analysis: Quantifying Attack Impact on System Resources" (2026). CMC Senior Theses. 4323.
https://scholarship.claremont.edu/cmc_theses/4323
This thesis is restricted to the Claremont Colleges current faculty, students, and staff.
