Why might hackers target PowerShell?

Hackers often target PowerShell because it provides a powerful scripting and automation framework built into Windows operating systems, making it an attractive option for executing malicious scripts and executing commands without being easily detected. PowerShell can run scripts and commands in a way that may bypass traditional security measures.

One of its notable features is the ability to execute code in memory, which means that it does not necessarily write files to disk. This is significant because many antivirus programs primarily focus on scanning for known signatures in files on disk. Since injected code can be executed directly from memory, it often goes undetected by these security tools, allowing malicious activities to continue without interruption.

This makes PowerShell an effective tool for hackers to achieve their objectives, such as gaining unauthorized access, moving laterally within a network, or exfiltrating data. The ability to leverage legitimate system tools like PowerShell for malicious purposes is a key reason for the focus on this scripting environment in cybersecurity discussions.