Deciphering VirusTotal Outcomes: Why a Limited Number of Antivirus Detections Doesn’t Indicate a Likely False Positive

Deciphering VirusTotal Results: What You Need to Know

In the realm of cybersecurity, understanding the results from VirusTotal can be pivotal, especially when identifying potential threats. A common misconception among users is the belief that if only a few antivirus (AV) programs flag a file, it is likely a false positive. However, this assumption can lead to significant oversights and potential risks.

A Note on Perspective

Before diving into the intricacies of VirusTotal results, I’d like to disclose that I, too, held a similar viewpoint in the past. This isn’t about casting judgment; rather, it’s about enhancing our understanding of how to interpret the findings accurately.

Recommended Resource

For those looking to improve their grasp of VirusTotal, I highly recommend checking out a video by MalwareAnalysisForHedgehogs. It offers a thorough overview of what different indicators mean on the platform. You can find it here.

Key Aspects to Analyze

Detection Insights

• Reanalysis Importance: Files can be updated and detections evolve, so if a file hasn’t been scanned recently, conducting a reanalysis is advisable. VirusTotal will provide insights into previous scans of the file.
• Malware Naming Conventions: Pay attention to the malware names indicated in the results. For instance, a classification as “not-a-virus” suggests that while the file can potentially be misused, it is not inherently malicious. However, keep in mind that not all vendors use this terminology consistently.

Examining File Details

• File Authenticity: Confirm that the file type matches its claimed format.
• Submission History: Check the initial submission date—if it precedes the software’s release, you’re likely dealing with recycled malware.
• Alias Recognition: Investigate alternative names associated with the file. If the names point to irrelevant or unrelated items, it may suggest the presence of renamed malware, albeit common names like update.exe or random strings can usually be disregarded.

Behavioral Analysis

• File Interactions: Observe any files that the suspect file drops, deletes, or modifies. Malicious software often performs actions that are unnecessary for legitimate functions.

• Registry Changes: Be wary of changes to the registry. For instance, if a software update disables essential security features like Windows Defender, it raises red flags.