CSEC-759 Graduate Seminar in Computing Security

This research-oriented seminar explores the latest advancements in malware analysis, focusing on techniques to detect, analyze, and counteract malicious software. Students engage with state-of-the-art research, apply malware analysis tools, and examine strategies used by attackers to evade detection. The course emphasizes hands-on experience with tools such as Cuckoo Sandbox, Volatility, and Google Rapid Response (GRR) while fostering critical analysis of recent research papers.

Course Learning Outcomes

• Utilize dynamic, memory, and enterprise-level malware analysis tools.
• Critically analyze cutting-edge research on malware detection and evasion techniques.
• Identify and evaluate traditional malware detection methods.
• Differentiate between various malware types (e.g., viruses, worms, rootkits).
• Discuss ethical considerations in malware research and analysis.
• Develop and present research findings on malware analysis.

Key Topics & Tools

• Static & Dynamic Analysis: Investigate malware behavior through file signatures and execution monitoring.
• Memory Forensics: Leverage Volatility to extract forensic insights from system memory.
• Automated Malware Sandboxing: Analyze malware in controlled environments using Cuckoo Sandbox.
• Enterprise-Level Investigations: Apply Google Rapid Response (GRR) for large-scale incident response.

Research & Project-Based Learning

As a graduate seminar, this course encourages students to engage deeply with research literature, develop innovative malware detection approaches, and contribute to the academic discussion. The final project requires students to propose, implement, and present a research-driven malware analysis study.