Malware Prevention, Discovery, and Recovery (MPDR)

The goal of MPDR is to provide technical personnel with the hands-on expertise necessary to prevent, discover, recognize, and recover from modern malware which often is a fundamental ingredient of a large number of computer network breaches and data theft incidents. MPDR is a four-day course that will expose participants to analysis of malicious software used by cyber-criminals and cyber-terrorists. After an introduction to modern malware, participants will learn how to prevent a malware outbreak, discover and identify malware through active network traffic analysis, prepare for dynamic analysis of malware samples of various types and intent, and how to isolate, remediate, and recover from a malware outbreak. Finally, the course will conclude with a review of dynamic malware analysis and a look at emerging trends in the use of malicious software in network intrusions and data theft.

This course is an intermediate level, hands-on course where knowledge and basic experience is required. Alternative experience may be considered in lieu of listed requirements, based upon seating availability and review by CDI admissions staff.

MPDR is offered free-of-charge to technical personnel who work for agencies or organizations considered as a part of our nations critical infrastructure.

Blended learning methods will be utilized, to include a balance of classroom lecture, hands-on laboratory exercises, and the use of cybersecurity response tools, as cyber attacks against significant national network infrastructure targets will be simulated.

MPDR classes stress a proactive approach to preventing malware infections when possible, and how to efficiently and effectively respond to infections when they occur. Solutions and methods taught are non-vendor-specific and do not require participants to have costly specialized software when trying to implement class lessons at their own agencies. MPDR stresses proper malware preventative methods but, given the current state of malware infections in society, assumes that preventative measures will fall short. Accordingly, MPDR focuses on discovery, analysis, and recovery from malware infections.

Upon completion of this course, participants will have an increased understanding of modern malware, how to identify it through active network monitoring, how to classify it according to type characteristics and intent, and how to isolate, remediate, and recover from a malware outbreak. Within these three areas participants will develop skills enabling them to:

Prevent Modern Malware Infections

Perform Modern Malware Detection Through Active Network Monitoring

Understand Malware Outbreak Response, Isolation, Remediation, and Recovery Tactics