Malware is an ever-present concern for internet users. While there are plenty of solutions that help you catch it, most of them do not work until the infected file enters your device. The problem is that by that time it may be too late. The best option is to detect malware proactively and for this purpose, a malware sandbox should be your pick.

What is an online malware sandbox?

An online malware sandbox is a virtual environment designed to analyze and test suspicious files and links for potential threats.

Since the sandbox is completely isolated from your system, it prevents any potential malware from causing harm to your device or network.

Are sandboxes for experienced cybersecurity professionals only?

Despite its advanced capabilities, a malware sandbox is not designed exclusively for senior cybersecurity professionals. User-friendly interfaces and straightforward features make malware sandboxes a tool accessible to both aspiring cybersecurity students and seasoned experts.

• Junior security analysts (Tier 1): Sandboxes streamline the triaging process and deliver instant analysis, enabling junior analysts to monitor network events efficiently and perform rapid basic investigations.
• Security operations analysts (Tier 2): Sandboxes let more experienced analysts customize their analysis environment, facilitating deeper investigations and a tailored approach to security scenarios.
• Threat hunters (Tier 3): Sandboxes provide threat hunters with immediate results on the behavior of new malware, enabling them to respond promptly to emerging threats.

It is particularly useful in the corporate setting, where the risk of malware infiltration increases because of the high volume of data exchange and the potential for human error.

A malware sandbox can also serve as a fast and reliable tool to identify threats and can be used practically by any employee handling sensitive data or communicating with external entities.

Get started with a malware sandbox by signing up for free

What are common scenarios where a sandbox can help?

Checking emails with attachments

Email is one of the most common methods used by cybercriminals to infect victims’ devices. A typical attack usually starts with a phishing email, encouraging the user to download an attachment in the form of a document or archive containing important information, such as invoices. In reality, these files can be weaponized to deliver malware on the system as soon as the user opens or runs them.

The safe way to deal with such emails is to simply upload them and their attachments to a malware sandbox. That way, you will be able to safely open them and see what happens. The sandbox will indicate any presence of malicious activity within seconds, allowing you to avoid suffering an infection.

Inspecting links

Phishing emails may also contain malicious links. These can direct to pages designed to steal your login credentials or drop malware on your system.

For example, today’s attackers are adept at creating highly convincing login pages. Chances are you will struggle to tell the difference between a genuine page and a sophisticated fake designed to deceive you and steal your credentials.

That is why, before clicking on a suspicious link, simply upload it to a sandbox. A quick analysis run will not take more than a minute but will let you know if you can trust this link.

Examining files downloaded from hostings

File hosting services are a breeding ground for malware. Criminals have developed numerous techniques for hijacking all kinds of file formats to deliver malicious programs to victims’ machines. So, when you try to download from these platforms, you must realize the risk of infection is high.

Proactively uploading files to an online malware sandbox lets you analyze them in a safe environment and watch how they behave. This will help you decide whether you can open them on your device.

What are other benefits of a malware sandbox?

• Quick Detection: A malware sandbox can spot malware in under a minute after uploading a file. This speedy detection is key to stopping threats before they can inflict damage.
• Hands-On Analysis: A malware sandbox lets you interact directly with the virtual machine. Just think of it as a computer in your browser.
• Budget-Friendly: Since a malware sandbox is cloud-based, it’s a cost-effective solution for businesses. No need for setup or maintenance, which helps cut down on costs.
• Great for Training: With its user-friendly interface, a malware sandbox makes learning easy. Even non-professionals can quickly pick up how to analyze malware, making it a fantastic training tool.

Try a malware sandbox for free

Test the capabilities of a malware sandbox and see how it can improve the security of your organization.

Sign up for the service for free using your business email.