Decoding VirusTotal Results: What You Need to Know

Introduction

Navigating the world of cybersecurity can be tricky, especially when it comes to analyzing file safety. When reviewing results from VirusTotal (VT), it’s common to misinterpret the findings, especially regarding the prevalence of false positives. Based on my recent experiences, I want to share insights that can help clarify how to properly interpret those results.

Start With a Solid Foundation: Educational Resources

For those unfamiliar with how VirusTotal operates, I highly recommend watching the video from MalwareAnalysisForHedgehogs. It offers an informative overview of the various elements involved in VT analysis: Watch Here.

Key Elements to Assess in VirusTotal Results

Detection Analysis
Reassess Recent Findings: VirusTotal’s database is continuously updated. If your file hasn’t been scanned recently, consider reanalyzing it, as detection patterns can change over time.
Examine Malware Nomenclature: Pay attention to the names associated with detections. Labels such as “not-a-virus” indicate that while the file may not be harmful in itself, it could be exploited for malicious purposes. Remember, this classification varies among antivirus vendors.
File Details to Verify
Check File Authenticity: Confirm that the file’s type aligns with its stated format.
Review Submission Date: If the initial submission date predates the file’s actual release, there’s a chance it might be recycled malware.
Analyze Alternate Names: If the file appears under unrelated names, it’s likely been renamed for deception. Names like “update.exe” or “test.pdf” may not be cause for alarm, but be cautious.
Behavioral Indicators
Monitor File Activity: Investigate any files that are dropped, deleted, or created by the examined file. Unexpected activity could indicate trouble.
Registry Changes: If a legitimate update appears to be disabling security features (like Windows Defender), it warrants further scrutiny.
Inspect Highlighted Code Calls: Be aware of calls like GetTickCount, which can indicate attempts to evade detection by recognizing virtual machines (VMs) that could flag the malware.
Community Insights
While the VirusTotal community can offer useful comments, be prepared for a mix of opinions. Often