Intro to Malware Analysis

Intro to Malware Analysis

Key Topics:

• Malware Basics: Understand what malware is, its different types, and how it operates.
• Static Analysis: Learn how to analyze malware without executing it, examining its structure, code, and strings to identify potential threats.
• Dynamic Analysis: Explore techniques for running malware in a controlled environment (sandbox) to observe its behavior and interactions.
• Malware Analysis Tools: Discover various tools used for static and dynamic analysis, such as disassemblers, debuggers, and sandboxes.
• Advanced Techniques: Get a glimpse of more advanced malware analysis techniques, like reverse engineering and evasion methods used by malware authors.

Examples

Static Analysis:

• Examining a PE file header to understand its structure and entry point.
• Using strings tools to identify potentially sensitive information or code snippets.
• Decompiling malware code to convert it from machine language to assembly, making it easier to understand.

Dynamic Analysis:

• Running malware in a virtual machine to monitor its network activity, file access, and registry modifications.
• Using a debugger to set breakpoints and step through the malware's execution, analyzing its behavior at specific points.
• Analyzing sandbox reports to identify suspicious activities or indicators of compromise.

Malware Analysis Tools:

• Using tools like IDA Pro for disassembling and debugging malware.
• Employing sandboxes like Cuckoo Sandbox or VMware Workstation to run malware in a controlled environment.
• Utilizing network analysis tools like Wireshark to capture and inspect network traffic related to malware activity.

Additional Learning Opportunities

• TryHackMe Rooms: Explore other TryHackMe rooms focused on malware analysis and reverse engineering for hands-on practice.
• Online Resources: Utilize online tutorials, articles, and videos to deepen your understanding of malware analysis concepts and tools.
• Capture-the-Flag (CTF) Events: Participate in CTFs that include malware analysis challenges to test your skills and knowledge.