Every day:

• Banks are attacked
• Government systems are targeted
• Normal users lose money

To fight this, cybersecurity experts use malware analysis tools.

These tools help answer three critical questions:

What is this malware?
What does it do?
How can we stop it?

What Is Malware Analysis? (In Simple Words)

Malware analysis means studying a virus safely to understand its behavior.

Just like doctors study a virus to create a vaccine, cyber experts analyze malware to create security solutions.

Malware analysis helps:

• Identify how systems were hacked
• Detect stolen data methods
• Create antivirus signatures
• Prevent future attacks

Without malware analysis, cyber defense would be blind.

Types of Malware Analysis

There are two main methods:

1. Static Analysis

Studying malware without running it.

Like reading a bomb manual without activating it.

2. Dynamic Analysis

Running malware in a safe environment to see what it actually does.

Like observing a criminal under CCTV.

Both methods are used together.

Step-by-Step Malware Analysis Process

Step 1: Collect the Malware Sample

Samples come from:

• Infected computers
• Phishing emails
• Compromised websites
• Bank fraud cases

Investigators always isolate malware to avoid spreading it.

Step 2: Check File Information

First, analysts examine:

• File size
• File type
• Creation date
• Hash values

This helps identify if it is already known malware.

Step 3: Static Analysis

Without executing the file, analysts study:

• Strings inside the file
• File structure
• Hidden URLs and commands

This gives early clues about malware purpose.

Step 4: Dynamic Analysis

Malware is executed inside a sandbox (safe virtual system).

Analysts monitor:

• File changes
• Registry modifications
• Network connections
• Data theft attempts

This reveals real behavior.

Step 5: Create Defense Rules

After understanding the malware:

• Antivirus signatures are updated
• Firewalls block malicious servers
• Banks secure exploited systems

1. VirusTotal – The First Check Tool

VirusTotal is often the first stop.

What It Does

• Scans files using 70+ antivirus engines
• Shows if malware is already known
• Displays linked IPs and domains

Why It’s Important

It saves time by identifying known threats instantly.

2. ANY.RUN – Interactive Malware Sandbox

ANY.RUN allows analysts to watch malware live.

What It Shows

• Screen activity
• File drops
• Network connections
• Commands sent by attackers

It feels like watching a hacker in action.

3. Cuckoo Sandbox – Automated Malware Lab

Cuckoo Sandbox runs malware automatically and creates reports.

What It Analyzes

• System behavior
• Registry changes
• Memory activity
• Network traffic

Used by cybersecurity labs worldwide.

4. IDA Pro – Malware Reverse Engineering Tool

IDA Pro is used to look deep inside malware code.

Why It Is Powerful

It converts complex machine code into readable instructions.

This helps experts:

• Discover hidden backdoors
• Understand encryption methods
• Find command servers

It is like opening the criminal’s brain.

5. Ghidra – Free Reverse Engineering Tool

Developed by the NSA and released publicly.

Why Beginners Prefer Ghidra

• Free
• Powerful
• Supports many file types

It helps analyze advanced malware without high cost.

6. Wireshark – Malware Network Tracker

Malware always communicates with its creators.

Wireshark helps monitor:

• Data theft attempts
• Command-and-control servers
• Suspicious traffic

This helps block attacker networks.

7. Process Monitor – System Behavior Tracker

Process Monitor shows:

• What files malware creates
• Which registry keys it modifies
• What processes it starts

This reveals how malware hides itself.

Real Case Example: Banking Trojan Investigation

A bank detected unusual transactions.

Malware analysts:

1. Extracted malware from infected systems
2. Ran it in a sandbox
3. Observed keystroke logging
4. Traced command servers
5. Blocked malicious IPs

Result: Fraud network was dismantled.

Why Malware Analysis Is Critical in Cyber Crime Investigations

Malware analysis helps police:

• Identify hacking groups
• Link multiple attacks
• Track criminal infrastructure
• Support digital evidence in court

It turns digital chaos into legal proof.

Malware Analysis in Ransomware Cases

In ransomware attacks, analysts use tools to:

• Identify ransomware family
• Find encryption weaknesses
• Sometimes recover files
• Track ransom wallets

This has helped recover millions worldwide.

Legal & Ethical Use of Malware Tools

Malware tools must be used only:

• For research
• For investigations
• With proper authorization

Using them for harm is a serious crime.

Career Scope in Malware Analysis

Malware analysts work as:

• Threat researchers
• Incident responders
• Cyber forensic experts

This is one of the highest-paying fields in cybersecurity.

Final Thoughts

Malware is like a digital disease spreading silently across the internet.

Malware analysis tools act as digital microscopes, allowing experts to study threats and protect the world.

Every safe online transaction today exists because someone analyzed malware yesterday.