What type of analysis scans files to classify them as benign, suspicious, or threats?

The correct choice is advanced static analysis, which involves examining files without executing them. This type of analysis evaluates file properties, characteristics, and behaviors inferred from the code itself, using techniques that may include heuristics and pattern matching. By assessing these elements, advanced static analysis can classify files as benign, suspicious, or threats based on established criteria or indicators of compromise.

The effectiveness of advanced static analysis lies in its ability to detect malware and other malicious elements before they are executed, thereby enhancing the security posture of a system. This method can identify potentially harmful attributes and provide insight into a file's functionality, enabling proactive defense measures.

In contrast, other options refer to different methods of analysis. Dynamic analysis involves executing the file and observing its behavior in a controlled environment, while behavioral analysis monitors actions in real-time to identify anomalies. Signature-based analysis uses known patterns of malicious files to detect threats but relies heavily on existing signatures rather than assessing file characteristics in-depth.