Starting a career in cybersecurity, specifically as a Malware Analyst, is a goal many aspire to achieve. It is true that the majority of employers prefer applicants having at least a year of IT job experience in addition to a bachelor's degree in computer science or a similar discipline. However, breaking into this fulfilling sector is completely doable if you have the correct attitude, commitment, and resources.
In this blog, we'll cover what a malware analyst does, the skills and tools required, and how to become one.
A Malware Analyst is a cybersecurity professional who specializes in studying and understanding the behavior of malicious software, also known as malware.
Malware analysts investigate and understand the nature, behavior, and delivery methods of malicious software.
They analyze code to identify vulnerabilities and develop strategies for detecting and preventing malware attacks.
Their work helps improve defenses and refine security measures after a cybersecurity incident
While it may seem that this role requires extensive experience, many of the skills needed can be self-taught or learned through
The salary of a Malware Analyst varies widely depending on the level of experience, education, and location. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the national average salary for Information Security Analysts, a category that includes Malware Analysts, is around $124,7404.
A Malware Analyst is a cybersecurity professional who specializes in studying and understanding the behavior of malicious software12. They play a crucial role in responding to cybersecurity incidents12.
Malware Analysts are responsible for analyzing malicious software, incident response, forensics, and contributing to threat intelligence1234. They examine the tools and methods used by cyber adversaries, which involves reverse engineering the malware to understand its design and operation12.
Malware Analysts play a variety of roles in the field of cybersecurity. They are often involved in incident response, where they analyze the malware used in an attack and help develop or refine defenses12. They also perform digital forensics to investigate the malware’s impact on infected systems1.
In addition, Malware Analysts contribute to threat intelligence by providing insights into the capabilities of the malware and the tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs) of the threat actors12. They also play a role in the extrication of malicious code2.
Malware analysts must possess a deep understanding of coding languages:
Here are some critical tools that every malware analyst has in their toolkit:
Setting up a flexible laboratory to examine the inner workings of malicious software is an essential part of a Malware Analyst’s work. This involves creating an isolated environment where malware can be safely studied without risk to your main system or network.
You can follow this free hands-on course to learn build a malware analyst lab.
Flare VM is a Windows-based virtual machine pre-configured with tools for malware analysis, incident response, and threat hunting, designed by FireEye.
You can read the installation of Flare VM from the link: Flare VM Installation
REMnux is a Linux distribution focused on analyzing and investigating malicious software, providing a toolkit of specialized tools and scripts curated for malware analysis tasks, maintained by Lenny Zeltser.
Online sandboxes and malware analysis platforms provide virtual environments where files and URLs can be safely executed and analyzed for malicious behavior. They often offer features such as dynamic analysis, static analysis, and behavior monitoring to detect and understand potential threats without risking the host system. Popular platforms are listed below.
Each offers unique capabilities and integration with threat intelligence feeds for comprehensive analysis.
There are several books that can help aspiring Malware Analysts deepen their understanding of the field:
"Practical Malware Analysis" by Michael Sikorski and Andrew Honig
"Malware Data Science: Attack Detection and Attribution" by Joshua Saxe and Hillary Sanders
To summarize, entering the field of malware analysis requires a combination of strong technical skills, a commitment to continuous learning, and practical cybersecurity knowledge. Beyond simply defending systems, this role involves dissecting malicious code and using advanced tools to anticipate and counteract cyber threats effectively. Whether you're starting anew in IT or seeking to specialize, becoming a proficient malware analyst is both challenging and fulfilling. By maintaining curiosity, refining skills through practical labs, and pursuing respected certifications, you'll be prepared to confront the ever-changing cybersecurity landscape with confidence.
https://www.sans.org/blog/how-to-get-started-with-malware-analysis/
https://www.giac.org/certifications/reverse-engineering-malware-grem/
