Decoding VirusTotal Results: What You Need to Know

In the realm of cybersecurity, understanding the results from VirusTotal (VT) can be a bit daunting, especially for those who are newer to analyzing file safety. Many users, including myself until quite recently, often make assumptions about these results that may not be entirely accurate. In this post, I’ll share some insights that can help clarify the importance of VT findings, aiming to enhance your analysis skills.

A Worthy Resource

For those looking to deepen their understanding, I highly recommend checking out the informative video by MalwareAnalysisForHedgehogs. It offers an excellent primer on interpreting VirusTotal results. You can find it here.

What to Look For

Detection Insights

When assessing detection results, it’s crucial to keep a few key strategies in mind:

• Reanalyze the File: If the analysis hasn’t been performed recently, consider running it again, as detection capabilities evolve over time. VT will provide details on prior scans, which can inform your analysis.
• Examine malware Labels: Take note of the malware classifications. For instance, terms like “not-a-virus” can help clarify that while a file may pose a potential risk, it isn’t inherently malicious.

Detailed Analysis

Evaluating the specifics of the file is equally essential:

• Verify File Type: Ensure the file is what it claims to be. Mismatches can be a red flag.
• Check Submission Date: If the file was submitted before the release date of the program being tested, it may be a case of recycled malware.
• Review Alternate Names: Names can sometimes be misleading. If the titles associated with the file indicate unrelated elements, it might suggest that it’s been renamed to disguise its true nature. However, common names like update.exe or seemingly random strings can often be dismissed.

Behavioral Examination

Understanding how the file interacts with the system is vital:

• Monitor File Activity: Investigate any files that are dropped, deleted, or modified, particularly if they target sensitive areas of your system.
• Registry Changes: A legitimate Software update typically shouldn’t disable essential tools like Windows Defender or Task Manager without justification.
• Highlight Anomalies: Pay attention to unusual function calls—like GetTickCount, which some malware uses