IT411_ERIC_CLARKSON_UNIT_4_LAB
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Purdue Global University *
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Apr 3, 2024
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Unit 4 Assignment
IT411 Digital Forensics Eric Clarkson
Purdue Global University
Professor Louay Karadsheh September 19, 2023
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What is static malware analysis? When is it appropriate to use this type of analysis?
Static malware analysis is the inspection of a malware's code without executing it. It is a highly regulated process that is normally carried out in a safe environment. Its major goal is to obtain an understanding of the malware's structure, functionality, and potential impact on a system.
The speed and effectiveness of static malware analysis are two of its most major advantages. Because the malware is not executed, there is no danger of it causing harm or propagating throughout the system under investigation. As a result, static analysis can discover possible risks and vulnerabilities quickly before they cause harm.
Another advantage of static analysis is that it allows for the identification of distinct malware strain functionalities and behaviors. This knowledge is critical to the creation of successful malware countermeasures and defenses. Security professionals may design more strong antivirus software, intrusion detection systems, and other security solutions by knowing how malware behaves.
Static malware analysis is very helpful when a suspected malware strain must be distinguished as harmful or disguised as a genuine program or file. Furthermore, it is used to
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identify weaknesses that a malware strain exploits, allowing security updates to be implemented to avoid further attacks. Static analysis can also reveal whether a malware strain is part of a wider attack or is utilized as a delivery mechanism for other types of malware.
The fundamental issue of static malware analysis is finding all potential dangers and vulnerabilities connected with a malware strain. Malware is always changing and adapting to new security measures, demanding the use of current security trends as well as the ongoing refining and enhancement of static analysis tools and procedures.
Finally, static malware analysis is an important method for detecting possible threats and vulnerabilities in computer systems. It is especially effective when malware masquerades as a genuine program or file or is utilized as a delivery method for other types of malware. While static analysis presents significant difficulties, it is nonetheless an essential component of any comprehensive security plan.
What is dynamic malware analysis? When is it appropriate to use this type of analysis?
Dynamic malware analysis is a critical procedure for studying malware activities in a live
environment. This method is often used on a virtual machine and varies from static analysis in
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that it enables the malware to be executed, offering further information into its behavior and potential impact on a system.
Static malware analysis is particularly beneficial when the behavior of malware cannot be
fully understood. For example, some malware may only perform specific activities when connected to a network or when certain criteria are satisfied. These behaviors can be seen in a controlled context by using dynamic analysis.
One of the most notable advantages of dynamic analysis is its capacity to detect and analyze previously undisclosed malware variants. Static analysis techniques may become outdated or inefficient when malware evolves and adapts to new protection measures. Dynamic analysis can assist in identifying new or emerging risks, enabling the creation of more powerful security solutions.
Dynamic analysis is also effective when the malware is extensively disguised or encrypted. Security specialists can acquire insight into the functionality of malware and its possible influence on a system by analyzing its activity in a live environment.
Despite its advantages, dynamic analysis is not without risks and problems. Because the virus is performed in a live environment, it has the potential to cause damage and spread
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throughout the system. As a result, dynamic analysis should be performed only in a secure, isolated environment.
Dynamic analysis can also be time-consuming and resource-intensive. Setting up a virtual
machine and executing malware can be complicated, requiring specialized knowledge and skills.
Finally, dynamic malware analysis is a critical tool for understanding the behavior and potential impact of malware on a system. Because of its ability to discover and analyze previously undisclosed malware strains, as well as watch the behavior of highly obfuscated or encrypted malware, it is an essential component of any comprehensive security approach. It must, however, be done with caution in a secure, isolated environment and necessitates particular
knowledge and expertise.
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References
Sowells, J. (2019, April 25).
Static malware analysis vs dynamic malware analysis
. HackerCombat.
https://www.hackercombat.com/static-malware-analysis-vs-dynamic-malware-
analysis/
What are the benefits and limitations of static malware analysis compared to dynamic malware analysis?
(n.d.). LinkedIn.
https://www.linkedin.com/advice/0/what-benefits-
limitations-static-malware
Why you need static analysis, dynamic analysis, and machine learning?
(n.d.). Palo Alto Networks.
https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/why-you-need-static-analysis-
dynamic-analysis-machine-learning
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