A comprehensive cybersecurity project demonstrating hands-on phishing analysis, email forensics, and incident response capabilities for SOC analyst roles.

This project covers the complete lifecycle of phishing analysis and response, from identifying malicious emails to implementing defensive countermeasures. Through six progressive modules, I developed practical skills in threat detection, digital forensics, and security operations.

• Analyzed various phishing techniques including spear phishing, credential harvesting, and social engineering tactics

• Identified psychological manipulation methods (urgency, authority, scarcity, curiosity)

• Examined real-world phishing campaigns including Emotet malware distribution

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• Investigated suspicious emails from finance intern regarding password expiration notices

• Validated email authentication mechanisms (SPF, DKIM, DMARC)

• Traced email origins through Received headers

• Identified spoofed sender addresses via Reply-To and Return-Path mismatches

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• Examined credential-thieving websites masquerading as Microsoft login pages

• Analyzed URL obfuscation techniques (IDN spoofing, hidden URLs, URL redirectors)

• Conducted threat intelligence gathering without direct site interaction

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• Case 1: Regional Sales Manager received suspicious Chrome toolbar installation request

  • Extracted and analyzed compressed .zip files containing SalesBookmarks.exe
  • Performed static analysis to identify malicious executable properties

• Case 2: HR Specialist compromised by infrastructure upgrade document

  • Investigated ransomware delivery via disguised .7z attachment

  • Identified RTLO character spoofing in filename (appearing as PDF but actually .exe)

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• Uncovered Unicode manipulation techniques to disguise executable files

• Identified homoglyph attacks and zero-width character obfuscation

• Analyzed file signatures and MIME types to reveal true file nature

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• Purged malicious emails from multiple user inboxes
• Performed account remediation for compromised credentials
• Implemented email filtering rules to prevent similar attacks
• Conducted post-incident security awareness activities

• pestudio - Static malware analysis and PE file inspection
• VirusTotal - Multi-engine malware scanning and reputation checking
• Hybrid Analysis - Dynamic malware analysis in sandboxed environment
• urlscan.io - OSINT tool for safe URL analysis and threat scoring

• AbuseIPDB - IP reputation lookup and malicious activity tracking
• Microsoft Outlook - Email header examination and forensic analysis
• Command Prompt/Terminal - Filename verification and RTLO detection
• Papaparse - CSV processing for log analysis

• Exchange Online - Email filtering and phishing rule creation
• SPF/DKIM/DMARC - Email authentication verification
• MITRE ATT&CK - Threat mapping (T1566 Phishing, T1598 Phishing for Information)
• MITRE D3FEND - Defensive techniques (Email Removal, Credential Eviction)

• Email header analysis and SMTP protocol understanding
• Static and dynamic malware analysis techniques
• File signature and hash-based threat identification
• Unicode spoofing and obfuscation detection
• OSINT gathering and threat intelligence correlation
• Log analysis and forensic investigation

• Phishing triage and severity assessment
• Incident response and containment procedures
• Account compromise remediation
• Security rule creation and tuning
• Cross-referencing multiple data sources for validation
• Documentation and reporting of security incidents

• Email filtering rule implementation
• Proactive threat hunting methodologies
• User awareness and security training guidance
• False positive reduction strategies
• Post-incident recovery procedures

• Multi-layered Analysis: Never rely solely on file appearance or reputation; use multiple tools and techniques for verification
• Header Intelligence: Email headers contain critical forensic data for tracing attack origins and validating authenticity
• Behavioral Indicators: Recognizing social engineering tactics is as important as technical detection
• Rapid Response: Early identification and swift containment minimize organizational impact
• Defense in Depth: Combining user education, technical controls, and monitoring creates robust protection

This project demonstrates readiness for Security Operations Center roles through:

• Hands-on experience with industry-standard security tools
• Understanding of attack vectors and threat actor methodologies
• Practical incident response and remediation capabilities
• Application of security frameworks (MITRE ATT&CK, D3FEND)
• Critical thinking in ambiguous security scenarios
• Clear documentation and communication of findings

• Modules Completed: 6
• Total Learning Time: ~2 hours 35 minutes
• Scenarios Analyzed: 5+ real-world cases
• Tools Mastered: 8+ security platforms
• Techniques Learned: 15+ analysis methods

Note: All scenarios are based on training exercises in controlled environments. No real organizations or individuals were compromised during this project.