1. A computer implemented method of determining whether a host computer that includes a system memory for storing data that is accessible to a central processing unit is infected with malware, the method comprising: (a) causing a device that is communicatively connected to the host computer to issue a request for data loaded in the system memory of the host computer; (b) receiving the requested data without using software services provided by the host computer; and (c) determining whether the data obtained from the system memory of the host computer is characteristic of malware.