ATCorp at 2009 Usenix Security Symposium in Montreal

August 10, 2009, Ithaca, NY. ATC-NY's Technical Director of Computer Security, Dr Frank Adelstein and Professor Golden G. Richard III, Department of Computer Science at the University of New Orleans, gave a course on Reverse Engineering at the 18th Annual Usenix Security Symposium in Montreal in August 2009. Reverse engineering involves deep analysis of the code, structure, and functionality of software using both static and dynamic methods. The course provided an immersive experience in reverse engineering malware, covering a range of malware examples, from “historical” (e.g., DOS boot sector viruses) through modern malware. The course was designed to give attendees an understanding of modern malicious software in order to craft solutions to recover from and prevent attacks, to learn about creating interoperable software or verify that software patches function as promised.

Demonstrations included static and dynamic analysis tools, including IDA Pro, OllyDbg, and HBGary's Responder, as well as detailed walk-throughs of malware source code. The instructors modeled the course on experiences in teaching reverse engineering concepts to undergraduate and graduate students.

Dr. Adelstein has led the development of two commercial products: P2P Marshal™, a popular forensic tool to detect and analyze peer-to-peer use, and the OnLine Digital Forensic Suite™, both marketed by Cyber Security Technologies.