Introduction

In today’s cyber-threat landscape, disassembly and debugging have become essential skills for cybersecurity professionals, particularly malware analysts. As malware authors continually evolve their tactics, understanding the inner workings of binaries through reverse engineering techniques is critical. Training Course on Disassembly and Debugging for Malware Analysts provides deep technical knowledge in reverse engineering, assembly language, and dynamic code analysis using advanced debugging tools such as IDA Pro, x64dbg, Ghidra, and WinDbg. Participants will learn how to dissect malicious software, uncover obfuscation techniques, and extract Indicators of Compromise (IOCs).

With increasing ransomware, spyware, and rootkit attacks globally, this course empowers analysts to proactively respond by gaining practical, in-depth skills in static and dynamic analysis. Covering everything from PE file structure to unpacking packed malware and interpreting assembly instructions, this course transforms participants into competent reverse engineers capable of making critical cybersecurity decisions. This training aligns with threat intelligence, vulnerability research, incident response, and national cybersecurity defense strategies.

Programme Curriculum

Training Course on Disassembly and Debugging for Malware Analysts

Introduction

Course Objectives

Understand the fundamentals of malware analysis and reverse engineering.
Gain in-depth knowledge of x86/x64 assembly language and control flow analysis.
Analyze PE file structures and recognize malware signatures.
Use IDA Pro and Ghidra for disassembly and static analysis.
Employ x64dbg and WinDbg for dynamic malware debugging.
Unpack and deobfuscate packed or encrypted malware samples.
Identify and extract IOCs for threat intelligence and incident response.
Recognize anti-debugging and anti-disassembly techniques used by malware.
Develop custom scripts and plugins to automate analysis workflows.
Apply sandboxing and emulation for safe behavioral malware testing.
Integrate malware analysis into real-world SOC workflows.
Reverse engineer real malware samples from APT campaigns.
Generate actionable reports for security operations and leadership.

Target Audience

Malware Analysts
Cybersecurity Engineers
SOC Analysts
Incident Responders
Threat Intelligence Professionals
Digital Forensics Experts
Security Researchers
Penetration Testers & Ethical Hackers

Course Duration: 5 days

Course Modules

Module 1: Introduction to Malware Analysis & Assembly

Overview of malware types and classification
Introduction to x86/x64 architecture and registers
Understanding memory models and addressing
Common malware behaviors and attack vectors
Hands-on: Inspecting simple malware in a lab
Case Study: Analyzing the ILOVEYOU worm (static)

Module 2: Working with Disassembly Tools

Overview of IDA Pro and Ghidra interfaces
Understanding control flow graphs (CFG)
Symbolic and hexadecimal representation
Creating function comments and annotations
Static unpacking of basic binaries
Case Study: Disassembling a downloader Trojan

Module 3: Debugging with x64dbg and WinDbg

Setting up a safe analysis environment (VMs, snapshots)
Breakpoints, stack analysis, and memory inspection
Analyzing loops, jumps, and conditional logic
Identifying malware behavior at runtime
Anti-debugging tricks and how to bypass them
Case Study: Debugging a ransomware dropper

Module 4: PE File Structure and Obfuscation Techniques

Understanding sections: .text, .data, .rsrc, etc.
Import Address Table (IAT) and Export Table analysis
Recognizing packing and obfuscation patterns
Manual unpacking and memory dumping
Rebuilding PE headers and fixing IATs
Case Study: Unpacking a UPX-packed infostealer

Module 5: Malware Evasion and Decryption Methods

Evasion techniques: polymorphism, metamorphism
Encryption algorithms used in malware (XOR, AES)
Finding keys and decryption routines in code
Handling encrypted strings and payloads
Using emulation to analyze obfuscated code
Case Study: Reverse engineering a Crypter

Module 6: Behavior Analysis and Threat Attribution

API hooking and behavior monitoring
Using sandboxing and dynamic behavioral tools
Extracting IOCs for threat feeds
Pivoting malware analysis for threat attribution
Using YARA rules and signature generation
Case Study: Attribution of Lazarus group malware

Module 7: Automating Malware Analysis

Scripting in IDAPython and Ghidra's scripting console
Batch unpacking and automated decryption
Integrating tools into CI/CD or SIEM pipelines
Custom plugin development basics
Reporting automation and documentation tips
Case Study: Automating string decryption in a malware family

Module 8: Advanced Real-World Malware Case Studies

Walkthroughs of APT campaigns (e.g., FIN7, Sandworm)
Analysis of kernel-mode malware/rootkits
Fileless malware debugging approaches
Nation-state malware vs. cybercriminal malware
Final hands-on lab with a blended malware sample
Case Study: Deconstructing Stuxnet components

Training Methodology

Hands-on labs with real malware samples in isolated VMs
Step-by-step tool walkthroughs with instructor guidance
Interactive whiteboard explanation of assembly logic
Practical exercises with quiz-based knowledge checks
End-of-module case study discussions
Final capstone project with certificate of completion

Register as a group from 3 participants for a Discount

Send us an email: info@fineskilltrainingcenter.org or call +254769199797

Certification

Upon successful completion of this training, participants will be issued with a globally- recognized certificate.

Tailor-Made Course

We also offer tailor-made courses based on your needs.

Key Notes

a. The participant must be conversant with English.

b. Upon completion of training the participant will be issued with an Authorized Training Certificate

c. Course duration is flexible and the contents can be modified to fit any number of days.

d. The course fee includes facilitation training materials, 2 coffee breaks, buffet lunch and A Certificate upon successful completion of Training.

e. One-year post-training support Consultation and Coaching provided after the course.

f. Payment should be done at least a week before commence of the training, to Fineskill Training Center account, as indicated in the invoice so as to enable us prepare better for you.

Skills & Software Covered

Debuggers (x64dbg) reverse engineering tools

Programme Fee

Duration: 5 Days

Method: Online or Physical

Online Price: $1,000

Physical Price: $1,500

Certification: Accredited Certificate

View Available Dates 📄 Download Course Outline (PDF)

Available Sessions

Location

Month

Year

Oct 19 2026

19 Oct — 23 Oct 2026

💻 Online / Virtual session

Online $1,000