What is the objective of malware analysis in digital forensics?

The objective of malware analysis in digital forensics is to understand the behavior and impact of malicious software. This involves a systematic examination of malware samples to determine how they operate, their effects on systems and data, and the methods they use to exploit vulnerabilities. By analyzing malware, forensic investigators can identify indicators of compromise, discern the tactics employed by attackers, and reconstruct attack timelines. This understanding is crucial for mitigating similar threats in the future and improving overall cybersecurity measures.

While developing antivirus software, monitoring user activity, and enhancing user security training are all important aspects of cybersecurity, they are not the primary goal of malware analysis itself. Malware analysis focuses specifically on dissecting the malware's code and functionality to gain insight into its operation and to inform response strategies. This helps organizations protect their systems more effectively against future attacks by providing a deeper understanding of the threats they face.