Malware Analysis Questions
The steps involved in malware analysis are as follows:
1. Collection: The first step is to collect the malware sample, which can be obtained through various means such as honeypots, malware repositories, or by capturing network traffic.
2. Static Analysis: In this step, the malware is analyzed without executing it. It involves examining the code and structure of the malware, identifying any suspicious or malicious behavior, and extracting indicators of compromise (IOCs) such as file names, registry keys, or network addresses.
3. Dynamic Analysis: This step involves executing the malware in a controlled environment, such as a virtual machine or sandbox, to observe its behavior. It helps in understanding the malware's capabilities, such as file system modifications, network communication, or system interactions.
4. Behavioral Analysis: During dynamic analysis, the behavior of the malware is closely monitored and recorded. This includes observing any malicious activities, such as file encryption, data exfiltration, or attempts to gain unauthorized access.
5. Code Analysis: In this step, the malware's code is analyzed in detail to understand its functionality and potential vulnerabilities. This involves reverse engineering techniques, such as disassembling or decompiling the code, to gain insights into its inner workings.
6. Malware Classification: Based on the analysis, the malware is classified into different categories, such as viruses, worms, Trojans, or ransomware. This helps in understanding the nature and purpose of the malware.
7. Reporting: The final step involves documenting the findings of the analysis in a comprehensive report. This report includes details about the malware's behavior, indicators of compromise, potential impact, and recommendations for mitigation or removal.
Overall, the steps involved in malware analysis aim to understand the malware's behavior, identify its capabilities, and provide insights for effective detection, prevention, and response to malware threats.