Malware Analysis in 5 Simple Steps

Carrying out malware analysis might seem like a lengthy and complex task, but with the right tools and practices, it can actually be done in just a few minutes.

With 5 simple steps, you can uncover even the trickiest malware behaviors, making it easy to assess and respond to threats confidently.

Sample Collection and Initial Check

Start by using a malware sandbox, like ANY.RUN, to analyze your sample in an isolated and safe place. Copy and paste a URL or upload a file via ANY.RUN’s interface, where you can also configure the analysis environment.

Once you run the sandbox, the upper right section will indicate if the sample is malicious. If it is, it’ll be flagged in red and marked as “malicious activity.” This section also displays tags of the threats associated with the sample, giving you a quick assessment of the risk level.

For instance, in the analysis session below, the sandbox identified malicious activity, including malware called Mallox. View analysis session.

Interact with the Sample

While your analysis session is running, you can observe the behavior of the potential threat in real time. Freely interact with the sample, simulating user actions like clicking buttons, browsing websites, and uploading files, all within the safety of an isolated environment. 

Analyze unlimited malware by signing up for free on ANY.RUN!

This hands-on interaction helps you understand how the malware behaves in a real-world setting, revealing actions it might take if deployed on an actual device.

In the current analysis session, we see all the actions performed by the malware, even the ransom note the victim gets after being attacked.

Check Processes

To delve into the specifics, sandboxes like ANY.RUN allow you to examine all processes initiated during the analysis. 

You can see details by clicking on each process, from network connections and HTTP requests to DNS lookups and other system activities. For more in-depth information on any individual process, click the “More Info” button. 

Get a Text Report

ANY.RUN simplifies reporting with its “Text Report” button, located on the right side of the screen. With a single click, you can access a comprehensive report detailing all processes, network activity, and other indicators of compromise (IOCs) observed during the analysis. 

This report is essential for documenting and sharing findings, as it captures the complete behavior profile of the malware.

Gather IOCs

Indicators of Compromise (IOCs) are crucial for recognizing and mitigating the malware’s spread across your network. Inside the sandbox, you can gather all IOCs from the analysis by clicking the “IOC” button, which will compile everything from IP addresses to suspicious domains in one neatly organized tab. 

These IOCs help strengthen your defenses and equip security teams to identify and block related threats effectively.

Analyze Malware in Minutes

With ANY.RUN’s interactive sandbox allows malware analysis to become straightforward and efficient. It provides unlimited access for safely analyzing malware samples within an isolated environment.

Join ANY.RUN today for fast, easy, and unlimited access to comprehensive malware analysis!