Understanding the why

01 Apr 2025

Why I Study Malware

To start off, I do have interest in security in general. So far my journey in the field has been filled with lots of learning and discovery of very cool things, and I hope to use this blog to share some of those learning. BUt first, I’ll start by explaining my main area of interest, which is Malware Analysis.

I still remember the first time I opened a binary in Ghidra and stared at the decompiled output like I was deciphering an alien language. Something clicked — not in the code, but in me. It wasn’t just curiosity anymore. It was obsession. This dates back to my honours year in university!

What Drew Me In

There’s a kind of poetry in malware, malicious code designed to deceive, evade, and adapt. I found myself drawn not to the destruction, but to the design. Malware tells a story, of how systems are built, and how they can be broken.

I wanted to learn how the most complex threats operate, and more importantly, how to dissect them piece by piece. Like understanding what each ingredient does in a recipe.

My Journey So Far

• I began with basic reversing exercises and gradually moved into analyzing real-world samples.
• Set up a lab environment using REMnux, VirtualBox, and recently added a Raspberry Pi to experiment with bare-metal analysis and fuzzing.
• I’ve been diving deep into static and dynamic analysis, binary protections, and techniques like symbolic execution.
• I hope to build confidence in analysing APT-level malware with the goal of understanding how the most persistent and evasive threats operate.

What You’ll Find Here

This blog is a space where I document my journey in security in general, but also my journey in Malware Analysis specifically. From deep technical breakdowns to personal reflections on the craft. You’ll find:

• Malware analysis write-ups
• Notes on reversing techniques
• Thoughts on tooling (like Frida, Ghidra, custom emulation)
• And sometimes, raw reflections on learning and growth

No fluff. Just clear, focused content — for learners, professionals, and curious minds alike.

The Why That Keeps Me Going

• Because the best way to understand something… is to break it.
• Because we learn more by tearing apart what’s hidden, than accepting what’s shown.
• Because I love this work, and if you do too, you’re in the right place.

Let’s Begin

Thanks for being here. Let’s see how deep the rabbit hole goes.