Description: Malware analysis refers to the systematic study of programs designed to infiltrate, damage, or compromise computer systems without user consent. This process involves disassembling and examining the malware’s code to understand its functionality, propagation methods, and the impact it can have on system security. Through reverse engineering techniques, analysts can identify the vulnerabilities that malware exploits, as well as the tactics it uses to evade detection. This analysis is crucial for developing effective countermeasures and improving cybersecurity. In the context of cybersecurity, malware analysis is facilitated through specialized tools that allow researchers and security professionals to conduct penetration testing and digital forensic analysis. The relevance of malware analysis lies in its ability to protect critical systems, prevent data loss, and mitigate risks associated with cyberattacks, making it an essential discipline in the field of cybersecurity.
History: Malware analysis began to take shape in the 1980s when the first computer viruses, such as ‘Brain’ in 1986, started to spread. As technology advanced, so did malware techniques, leading to the need for developing methods to analyze and counteract them. In the 1990s, with the rise of the Internet, malware became more sophisticated, prompting the creation of analysis and detection tools. The development of security-focused platforms has enabled more effective security analysis, including malware studies, due to a wide range of pre-installed tools.
Uses: Malware analysis is primarily used in cybersecurity to identify and mitigate threats. Security professionals employ this analysis to develop antivirus and security solutions, as well as to conduct digital forensic investigations following an attack. It is also used in education and training for new security analysts, providing a practical environment to learn about malware techniques and their countermeasures.
Examples: An example of malware analysis is the study of the ‘WannaCry’ ransomware, which affected thousands of systems in 2017. Analysts examined its code to understand how it spread and how it could be stopped. Another case is the analysis of the ‘Emotet’ Trojan, which was used to steal banking information and was dismantled in 2021 following an international law enforcement effort.
