Ask HN: Where to get malware code for white hats

I am trying to learn more about the current threats, so as to protect the systems I am responsible for better.

Of course, I apply all common sense security rules and behaviors as explained on general articles. However, I find that it would be useful to get specific real world malware code.

That would help improving my understanding.

Is there an easy resource to find some malware code that represents well the typical threats? Or at least a specific description of what they do?