Malware Analysis for Threat Hunters

Threat hunters seek to understand how malware works, what it can do, and how to detect it. A practical approach blends careful observation with repeatable steps. Start with patient triage, then move through static analysis, dynamic analysis, and documentation. The goal is to learn the attacker’s methods and to improve defenses for the future.

What you look for can be simple at first: a suspicious executable, odd startup items, or unusual network traffic. From there, you map behavior to risks and to the defender’s playbook. Clear notes and reproducible steps help your team act faster when a new threat appears.

What to analyze

  • File properties, hashes, and digital signatures
  • Import tables and packed/obfuscated code
  • Entropy, sections, and suspicious resources
  • Create and track indicators of compromise (IOCs)
  • Command and control behavior, persistence, and lateral movement

Static analysis basics

  • Examine strings and plain text clues for URLs or keys
  • Check header fields and compile-time timestamps
  • Look for anti-analysis tricks and unusual packers
  • Compare results across tools to avoid false positives
  • Maintain a learning log for Repeatable checks

Dynamic analysis essentials

  • Run samples in a safe sandbox and monitor behavior
  • Observe file system changes and process creation
  • Capture network connections, DNS queries, and domain logic
  • Reproduce startup and persistence techniques in a controlled way
  • Note any self-deleting artifacts or anti-VM checks

Memory and network indicators

  • Inspect memory for injected code or deactivated protections
  • Trace API calls, thread creation, and handle changes
  • Collect network artifacts like C2 domains and beacon patterns
  • Map behaviors to MITRE ATT&CK tactics to align defenses
  • Build a concise IOCs list you can share with SOC and IR teams

Reporting and defense

  • Summarize capabilities, scope, and potential impact
  • Recommend detections, rules, and monitoring coverage
  • Link findings to ongoing investigations and remediation steps
  • Store artifact references and chain-of-custody notes for audits
  • Share lessons learned to reduce repeat incidents

A simple workflow helps teams stay aligned. Start with triage, then static analysis, followed by dynamic testing in a sandbox. Always link findings to concrete detections and response plans. With practice, threat hunters turn raw observations into actionable defense.

Key Takeaways

  • A disciplined, repeatable approach speeds up malware understanding and decision making.
  • Static and dynamic analyses reveal both code structure and real-time behavior.
  • Clear reporting and mapped MITRE techniques improve detection and response across teams.