What is Malware Analysis?
Malware analysis is the processing of analyzing and detecting malicious software behaviour, functionality, and potential impact. In this, the professionals investigate the malware’s codes, structure, and interactions with the target system. It can help identify vulnerabilities, develop measures to counter the attacks, and also protect the system from future attacks. There are many Malware analysis tools that are considered website checker for virus.
Benefits of Malware Analysis
Malware analysis is one of the most important tools for cyber security. It provides various advantages for organizations as well as individuals. Some of the key benefits include:
1. Threat Intelligence:
Cyber security teams can get in-depth insights about potential threats. This data can help institutions improve security postures and shield them from future attacks.
2. Incident Response:
When a malware attack happens, this cyber security analysis can help you understand the extent of the damage, and source of the attacks and plan out remedies for quick response.
3. Vulnerability Discovery:
Malware analysis can make you aware of the vulnerabilities in software and operating systems. This can help you develop patches and updates to mitigate risks.
4. Research and Development:
It is essential for research into new attack techniques and defensive strategies. This knowledge can be used to develop innovative security solutions.
Types of Malware Analysis
There are two primary types of malware analysis: static analysis and dynamic analysis.
1. Static Analysis:
This involves examining the malware’s code without executing it. Techniques used in static analysis include:
- Disassembly: Breaking down the malware’s binary code into human-readable assembly instructions.
- Decompilation: Reconstructing the original source code from the binary.
- String Analysis: Identifying text strings within the malware that may provide clues about its functionality or target.
- Metadata Analysis: Examining information about the malware file, such as its creation date, author, and version.
2. Dynamic Analysis:
This involves executing the malware in a controlled environment to observe its behaviour. Techniques used in dynamic analysis include:
- Sandboxing: Running the malware in an isolated environment to prevent it from damaging the host system.
- Debugging: Step-by-step examination of the malware’s execution to understand its logic and interactions.
- Network Monitoring: Observing the malware’s network traffic to identify communication with external systems.
- Memory Analysis: Examining the malware’s memory footprint to identify resources it is accessing or modifying.
Stages of Malware Analysis
Malware analysis typically involves several stages:
- Collection: Collect the malware samples from different sources. These sources include infected systems, email attachments or online repositories.
- Triaging: It is a process in which malware analysis will be done in a very early assessment to determine the type, potential threat level, and priority for analysis.
- Static Analysis: Examining the malware’s code using techniques like disassembly and decompilation to identify its structure, functions, and potential targets.
- Dynamic Analysis: Executing the malware in a controlled environment to observe its behaviour, network traffic, and system interactions.
- Behavioral Analysis: Identifying the malware’s actions, such as file creation, registry modifications, and network connections, to understand its impact on the target system.
- Root Cause Analysis: Determining the underlying cause of the malware’s behaviour, including any vulnerabilities exploited or techniques used.
- Mitigation: Develop strategies to prevent or mitigate the malware’s impact, such as creating signature-based detections or blocking network connections.
- Reporting: Documenting the findings and sharing them with relevant stakeholders, including security teams, law enforcement, and the broader security community.
Best Malware Analysis Tools:
Keeping your computer safe from malware (malicious software) is very important in this world of growing cyber crimes. But how do security experts figure out what malware does? They use special tools to analyze it! Let’s look at some of the most popular Malware analysis tools:
1. Wireshark:
Wireshark is a cybersecurity tool that can keep track of everything your computer sends and receives on the internet. Founded in 1998, it is often considered a detective for network traffic.
Key Features of Wireshark:
- It captures all the messages your computer sends and receives, allowing you to see if malware is trying to talk to someone suspicious online.
- Just like a detective identifies clues, Wireshark can spot patterns in network traffic that might be malware trying to hide.
- By analyzing the messages, Wireshark can help experts understand what the malware is trying to accomplish.
2. Hybrid Analysis:
Hybrid analysis tool was founded in 2011 and it offers a safe room to test some suspicious things without harming your computer.
Key Features of Hybrid Analysis:
- You upload a suspicious file, and Hybrid Analysis runs it in a secure environment, mimicking a real computer.
- After testing, Hybrid Analysis creates a report that shows what the malware tried to do, like stealing information or messing with your files.
- This online tool allows for quick analysis, saving security experts valuable time.
3. Joe Sandbox:
Joe Sandbox is a malware analysis tool that was founded by Joe Security. It is like a high-powered microscope that identifies malware.
Key Features of Joe Sandbox:
- It goes beyond just looking at network traffic. Joe Sandbox actually runs the malware in a safe environment and observes its behaviour in detail.
- Joe Sandbox can analyze malware designed for various systems like Windows, Android, and macOS.
- Your analysis reports remain confidential, allowing for secure investigation.
The Bottom Line:
In cybersecurity, Malware analysis plays a very important role. It is a process that helps security professionals keep an eye on malicious activities, and develop protective measures to safeguard your digital work.
Also read our blog: Cyber Security: Types, Services, Safety Tips and Tools
