Quick Answer
The answer is analyzing the file's structure using PEiD, along with inspecting file metadata and searching for suspicious strings. These three are correct because static malware analysis techniques examine the binary without executing it, focusing on embedded clues like headers, compiler signatures, and readable text. On the Certified Ethical Hacker CEH exam, this question tests your ability to distinguish static analysis from dynamic analysis—a common trap is confusing tools like PEiD (which reads file structure) with dynamic tools like Process Monitor or Wireshark that require execution. Remember that static analysis is like reading a book’s cover and table of contents without opening it, while dynamic analysis is like watching the story unfold. A useful memory tip: static = structure, strings, and signatures; dynamic = debug, monitor, and network.
This CEH practice question tests your understanding of malware, social engineering and network attacks. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. After answering, compare your reasoning against the explanation and wrong-answer breakdown below. Once you have made your selection, read the full explanation to reinforce the concept and understand why each distractor is designed to mislead on exam day.
Which THREE of the following are techniques used in static malware analysis? (Select 3)
Inspecting file metadata and properties
This is static analysis.
Capturing network traffic in a sandbox
Why wrong: This requires execution, hence dynamic.
Searching for suspicious strings in the binary
Strings extraction is a static technique.
Analyzing the file's structure using PEiD
PEiD identifies packers and compilers statically.
Monitoring registry changes during execution
Why wrong: This is dynamic analysis.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
Inspecting file metadata and properties
Static analysis examines the binary without execution. Inspecting file metadata, searching for suspicious strings, and analyzing the file's structure (e.g., using PEiD) are static techniques. Monitoring registry changes and network connections require execution (dynamic analysis).
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
Inspecting file metadata and properties
Why this is correct
This is static analysis.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Capturing network traffic in a sandbox
Why it's wrong here
This requires execution, hence dynamic.
Searching for suspicious strings in the binary
Why this is correct
Strings extraction is a static technique.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Analyzing the file's structure using PEiD
Why this is correct
PEiD identifies packers and compilers statically.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Monitoring registry changes during execution
Why it's wrong here
This is dynamic analysis.
Common exam traps
Many certification questions include familiar terms but test a specific constraint. Read the exact wording before choosing an answer that is generally true but wrong for this case.
Detailed technical explanation
This question should be treated as a scenario, not a definition check. Identify the problem, the constraint and the best action. Then compare each option against those facts.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
A practitioner preparing for the CEH exam encounters this exact type of scenario on the job. The correct answer here is not the most general option — it is the best answer for the specific constraint described. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Real exam questions reward reading the full scenario before eliminating options, because the constraint defines which answer fits.
What to study next
Identify which CEH exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
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FAQ
Malware, Social Engineering and Network Attacks — This question tests Malware, Social Engineering and Network Attacks — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: Inspecting file metadata and properties — Static analysis examines the binary without execution. Inspecting file metadata, searching for suspicious strings, and analyzing the file's structure (e.g., using PEiD) are static techniques. Monitoring registry changes and network connections require execution (dynamic analysis).
Identify which CEH exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
About these practice questions
Courseiva creates original exam-style practice questions with explanations and wrong-answer analysis. It does not publish real exam questions, exam dumps, or protected exam content. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
Same concept, more angles
These questions test the same concept from different angles. Work through them to make sure you can recognise it however the exam phrases it.
Variation 1. Which THREE of the following are static malware analysis techniques? (Select 3)
hardWhy A: Static analysis examines the malware without executing it. Strings, PEiD, and VirusTotal scan are static techniques.
Variation 2. Which TWO of the following are types of malware analysis? (Select 2)
easyWhy B: Static analysis examines code without execution; dynamic analysis observes behavior in a sandbox.
Variation 3. Which TWO of the following are types of malware analysis? (Select two.)
easyWhy A: Static analysis examines the file without executing it (e.g., examining strings, headers). Dynamic analysis executes the malware in a controlled environment (sandbox) to observe behavior.
Last reviewed: Jun 21, 2026
This CEH practice question is part of Courseiva's free EC-Council certification practice question bank. Courseiva provides original exam-style practice questions with explanations, topic-based practice, mock exams, readiness tracking, and study analytics to help learners prepare for the CEH exam.
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