Malware Analysis – Quick & Clear Guide

🦠 What is Malware?

Malware is malicious software designed to:

• Steal data
• Damage systems
• Spy on users
• Gain unauthorized access

🔥 Common Types of Malware

• Virus – Attaches to files
• Worm – Self-spreading
• Trojan – Looks legitimate
• Ransomware – Encrypts data
• Spyware – Steals information
• Rootkit – Hides malware
• Botnet – Remote-controlled systems

🔍 What is Malware Analysis?

Malware analysis is the process of examining malicious files to understand:

• How it works
• What damage it causes
• How to detect & remove it

🧪 Types of Malware Analysis

1️⃣ Static Analysis (No Execution)

✔ Analyze without running malware

✔ Safe method

Tools:

• strings
• hashing (MD5, SHA256)
• VirusTotal
• PEStudio

Example:

strings malware.exe

2️⃣ Dynamic Analysis (Run Malware)

✔ Observe real behavior

❌ Risky (use sandbox)

Checks:

• File changes
• Registry edits
• Network traffic

Tools:

• Cuckoo Sandbox
• Process Monitor
• Wireshark
• Regshot

3️⃣ Behavioral Analysis

• What files are created?
• What IP/domain is contacted?
• What persistence method is used?

4️⃣ Memory Analysis

• Analyze RAM for hidden malware

Tools:

• Volatility
• Rekall

🧰 Malware Analysis Tools (Interview Important)

PurposeToolHashingsha256sumStringsstringsStaticPEStudioSandboxCuckooNetworkWiresharkMemoryVolatility

🧠 Malware Indicators (IOC)

• Suspicious IPs
• Strange domains
• Unusual file names
• Registry changes
• Unknown services

🔐 Safe Malware Analysis Setup

✔ Virtual Machine

✔ No internet or fake DNS

✔ Snapshot enabled

🎯 Interview Questions (Quick)

Q: Difference between static and dynamic analysis?

Static = no execution

Dynamic = run malware

Q: Why use a VM?

To isolate malware safely.

Q: What is IOC?

Indicator of Compromise.

Q: What is ransomware?

Malware that encrypts files for money.

🧪 Simple Malware Analysis Flow

1. Hash the file
2. Check VirusTotal
3. Analyze strings
4. Run in sandbox
5. Capture network traffic
6. Create IOCs

📌 Beginner Tip

You don’t need to code first.

Start with:

• Static analysis
• Sandbox tools
• Network monitoring

If you want next:

• ✅ Malware analysis lab setup
• ✅ Real malware sample walkthrough
• ✅ SOC analyst interview Q&A
• ✅ Beginner roadmap for malware analyst