Which term refers to disassembling an object to understand how it works?

The correct term for disassembling an object to understand how it works is reverse engineering. This process involves taking apart a device, software, or system and analyzing its components and functionality. The goal is to understand the underlying principles and structures, which can be helpful for various purposes, such as improving security, troubleshooting issues, or developing compatible products.

In cybersecurity, reverse engineering is particularly valuable for analyzing malware or understanding how a particular program operates. It allows security professionals to identify vulnerabilities, discover potential exploits, and develop defense mechanisms against attacks. By reverse engineering malicious code, analysts can discern its behavior, how it propagates, and the methods it uses to compromise systems.

Other concepts mentioned do not fit this definition. A threat actor refers to individuals or groups that pose a security risk by attempting to exploit vulnerabilities. Threat hunting involves proactively searching for threats that may have bypassed existing security measures, rather than disassembling objects for understanding. Malware analysis focuses specifically on studying malicious software to determine its function and impact but does not encompass the broader methodology of disassembling various types of objects to understand their operation.