Malware analysis is the process of examining malicious software, or malware, to understand its behavior, purpose, and potential impact. This analysis helps cybersecurity professionals identify vulnerabilities in systems and develop strategies to protect against future attacks. By dissecting the code and observing how it operates, analysts can determine how the malware spreads and what damage it can cause. There are two main types of malware analysis: static and dynamic. Static analysis involves examining the malware's code without executing it, while dynamic analysis involves running the malware in a controlled environment to observe its actions. Both methods provide valuable insights that aid in the development of effective security measures.