Format
Self-paced training with 56 learning materials, approximately 8.5 hours of video and presentations, community access, and trainer support.
Editorial and commercial disclosure
This is an independent learning record based on completing the course and reproducing its practical work. It records both strengths and limitations; TrainSec did not determine the conclusions and this page is not an official badge, certification, or provider endorsement. The course destination is an affiliate link and is labeled accordingly. The access basis remains not disclosed, and the affiliate relationship did not determine the assessment or recommendation.
Syllabus summary
Audience
Aspiring malware analysts, SOC analysts, incident responders, CTI practitioners, and security researchers who already understand basic networking, code, Windows, and shell usage.
Course syllabus
| Module | Focus | Expected practical outcome |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Foundations and lab setup | Malware-analysis modes, FLARE-VM, REMnux, and INetSim | Build and operate an isolated analysis environment. |
| 2. Code reverse engineering | C compilation stages, Visual Studio, assembly, and IDA | Relate source constructs to compiled instructions. |
| 3. PE structure | Portable Executable headers and EXE/DLL differences | Navigate the Windows executable format. |
| 4. Static analysis | File typing, hashes, strings, packing, IDA workflow, FlawedAmmyy | Produce evidence-backed static triage and reverse-engineering findings. |
| 5. Dynamic analysis | Processes, Procmon, API monitoring, PCAPs, debugging, runtime unpacking | Reconstruct behavior and extract runtime evidence. |
| 6. Malicious documents | PDF JavaScript exploits and VBA macro analysis | Triage introductory document-borne threats. |
| Detection output | YARA rules and IOC extraction | Turn analysis findings into reusable defensive artifacts. |
Five supplementary course materials
These independent written companions align with the course's learning sequence. They do not replace the official lessons or hands-on labs.
What Is Malware?
A multidimensional guide to malware classification, delivery, capabilities, evidence, layered defenses, and incident response.
How to Build a Safe Malware Analysis Lab with FLARE-VM, REMnux, and INetSim
An isolated lab architecture with controlled networking, simulated services, snapshots, evidence handling, and a pre-detonation checklist.
Assembly for Malware Analysis: A Practical x86/x64 Guide
A practical bridge from source constructs to registers, flags, calling conventions, control flow, Windows APIs, and defensible analyst reporting.
PE File Structure for Malware Analysis: A Practical Guide
A visual reference for headers, sections, data directories, imports, exports, resources, relocations, TLS, mitigations, signatures, and managed assemblies.
Strings Analysis for Malware Analysis
An evidence-first method for converting extracted text into hypotheses, IOCs, pivots, and validation targets without overclaiming intent.
Summary and recommendation
Recommended for practical learners
The course exceeded my expectations through its technical depth, practical examples, prepared lab environment, and progression from file structure and assembly into analysis techniques. It demands active lab work rather than passive viewing. I would improve it by adding formal assessments and more written reference material.