I started with static analysis, file type checks, hashing against known malware databases, then moved into dynamic analysis in a sandbox.
Structure your answer as a systematic investigation, starting with safe handling and metadata analysis, then moving to static and dynamic inspection. Emphasize a repeatable process that balances thoroughness with efficiency, and highlight how you'd automate or scale the analysis for a large volume of emails.
Pro tip: Mention that you would first check the email's headers and attachment hash against threat intelligence feeds before opening anything, and that you'd use a sandboxed environment to avoid infecting your own system. This shows you prioritize safety and leverage existing tools.
Do not open the attachment on a production machine. Isolate the email, record its metadata (sender, subject, timestamps), and compute the attachment's hash (MD5/SHA256) for lookup in threat intelligence databases.
Examine the file type, headers, and embedded strings without executing it. Use tools like `file`, `strings`, or a hex editor to identify suspicious indicators such as macros, embedded URLs, or obfuscated code.
Execute the attachment in an isolated sandbox (e.g., Cuckoo, Joe Sandbox) to observe its behavior: network connections, file system changes, and process creation. Capture IOCs like domains, IPs, and registry modifications.
Cross-reference findings with known threat campaigns and assess the potential impact if the attachment were opened. Determine if it's malware, a phishing attempt, or benign.
Document the analysis steps and findings for future reference. If this is a recurring task, propose automation (e.g., a pipeline that extracts attachments, runs them through a sandbox, and alerts on suspicious behavior).
AI-generated suggestions, not part of the candidate's original notes. May be inaccurate — verify before relying on them.