How to Learn Malware Analysis Step by Step for CEH?

Introduction

Malware Analysis is one of the core modules in CEH v13, covering 12–15% in theory and 4–6 flags in practical. You must understand malware types, infection vectors, persistence mechanisms, evasion techniques, and how to dissect samples safely. Beginners struggle because it's 70% practical. With proper theory and labs, you can master it quickly. At Ethical Hacking Training Institute we dedicate 150+ lab hours to malware with 500+ real samples in isolated REMnux + Windows VMs so even non-technical students become malware analysts in 60 days and clear CEH with full marks.

Step 1: Malware Types & Infection Vectors Theory

• Virus – attaches to files, spreads on execution
• Worm – self-replicating, network spread
• Trojan – disguised as legitimate, backdoor
• Ransomware – encrypts files, demands ransom
• Spyware/Keylogger – steals data/credentials
• Rootkit – hides presence (kernel/user mode)
• Fileless – memory-only, no disk

Understand malware theory first.

Static vs Dynamic Analysis – Theoretical Comparison

Step 2: Static Analysis Tools & Workflow

Static analysis examines malware without running it — safest first step. Use Strings to extract text, PEiD/Detect It Easy for packer identification, CFF Explorer for PE header, IDA Free/Ghidra for disassembly. Workflow: hash sample (MD5/SHA256), VirusTotal (practice samples only), strings -n 8 malware.exe | grep -i "http\|password", load in IDA. Our lab has 300+ packed samples for daily static practice.

Learn static analysis.

Step 3: Dynamic Analysis Tools & Workflow

• ProcMon – monitor file/registry/network
• Process Explorer – process tree
• RegShot – registry before/after snapshot
• Wireshark – C2 traffic capture
• x64dbg/OllyDbg – debugging
• Our REMnux + Windows VMs for safe execution

Step 4: Malware Evasion Techniques Theory

Malware evades detection with packing (UPX, Themida), code obfuscation, string encryption, anti-VM checks (Red Pill, timing attacks), anti-sandbox (mouse movement, username check). Understand how malware detects analysis environment and how to bypass (rename VMWare files, fake mouse input). We teach evasion theory with 200+ evasive samples.

Step 5: Ransomware & Fileless Malware Analysis

• Ransomware: LockBit, Conti – encryption algorithms
• Fileless: PowerShell Empire – memory-only
• Uses living-off-the-land binaries (lolbins)
• Detect with memory forensics (Volatility)
• Our lab has decryptable ransomware samples

Analyze ransomware families.

Step 6: Safe Malware Lab Setup

• VMware/VirtualBox host
• REMnux Linux VM for tools
• Windows 10/11 VM for victim
• Host-only network, no shared folders
• INetSim for fake internet

Conclusion

Malware analysis combines theory and practice. Join Ethical Hacking Training Institute and get:

• 500+ real malware samples
• Pre-configured REMnux + Windows labs
• Daily analysis challenges
• Weekend & weekday batches
• 100% placement support

Book free demo — analyze first malware in 30 minutes!

Avoid common mistakes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is malware analysis hard?

No — we start from theory basics.

How many steps to learn?

6 proven steps — theory to lab.

Is dynamic analysis safe?

Yes — in our isolated labs.

Which tool is most important?

ProcMon & Wireshark.

Is ransomware tested?

Yes — 2–3 flags.

Do you provide malware samples?

Yes — 500+ safe samples.

Is REMnux compulsory?

Yes — best for tools.

Weekend batch covers malware?

Yes — full hands-on.

How many samples to analyze?

500+ for confidence.

Is fileless malware in syllabus?

Yes — v13 emphasis.

Do you teach evasion bypass?

Yes — anti-VM tricks.

Can freshers learn?

Yes — 60% students are freshers.

Is coding required?

No for CEH level.

Placement after malware module?

Yes — malware analyst roles.

How to start today?

Book free demo — analyze first malware in 30 minutes!