Malware Analysis vs Reverse Engineering

Many people confuse these two, but both have unique roles in cybersecurity. Let’s break it down:

Malware Analysis​

The process of studying malware to understand what it does, how it spreads, and how to stop it.
Focuses on behavior of malware.
Goal: Detect, mitigate, and create signatures/patches.

Types of Malware Analysis​

Static Analysis - Inspecting the malware file without executing it. (e.g., checking strings, headers, hashes).
Dynamic Analysis - Running the malware in a sandbox/VM to observe its behavior in real-time.
Hybrid Analysis - Combining both static & dynamic methods.
Common Malware Analysis Tools:

Cuckoo Sandbox ​

Wireshark
Process Monitor & Process Hacker
PEiD / Exeinfo PE
Example:
A researcher finds a suspicious file . By running it in a sandbox, they see it tries to connect to a C2 server and drops a keylogger on the system. → Defence teams block the IPs and patch the vulnerability.

Reverse Engineering (RE)​

Reverse engineering is about deconstructing software or malware at the code/instruction level to fully understand how it works internally.
Focuses on logic, code flow, and vulnerabilities.
Goal: Understand inner mechanics, discover weaknesses, or extract hidden functionality.

Common RE Tools:​

Ghidra
IDA Pro
Radare2
OllyDbg / x64dbg
APKTool / Jadx (for Android apps)
Example:
A banking trojan is captured. Security researchers disassemble it using IDA Pro, uncovering its encryption algorithm and discovering a hardcoded master key. → Defence teams then release a decryptor tool for victims.

Key Differences ​

Aspect Malware Analysis Reverse Engineering
Goal Identify malware behavior & threat level Understand internal logic/code of software/malware
Approach Behavior-focused (static/dynamic) Instruction/code-level focused
Skill Level Beginner to intermediate Advanced (deep knowledge of assembly, compilers, OS internals)
Use Case Detecting threats quickly, SOC response Vulnerability research, exploit development, advanced malware study
Output IOC list, signatures, reports Detailed technical insights, exploits/patches

Defensive Perspective:​

Malware Analysis = Fast triage → helps detect and contain threats quickly.
Reverse Engineering = In-depth dissection → helps build long-term defenses and security patches.
Both are crucial:
Malware analysis = Doctor diagnosing symptoms
Reverse engineering = Surgeon operating at the root cause

Takeaway:
Malware Analysis gives you the what and how it behaves.
Reverse Engineering tells you the why and how it works internally.
Both together form the backbone of threat research & cyber defence.