VirusTotal, a popular tool that checks files for malicious malware, is launching the Monitor Tool, aiming to reduce false positives from files that are "clean".
VirusTotal, created in 2004 and owned by Chronicle, a subsidiary of Alphabet Inc., combines a total of 70 antivirus scanners that are capable of detecting malicious files uploaded by users. However, antiviruses are not always accurate, as they often incorrectly report “clean” programs as malicious. According to VirusTotal, false positives can lead to antiviruses being discredited, users being banned from accessing a file, and also reduce revenue from software publishers.
VirusTotal monitor was created to reduce this problem. Developers will be able to upload their programs to a private storage space where VirusTotal's dozens of antiviruses will check them. In the event that malicious content is reported in one of the programs, the developer and the corresponding antivirus company that made the report are notified. This way, they get in touch and analyze the reason for the report, correcting it if it is indeed incorrect.
VirusTotal says that the Monitor tool is a win-win for both parties. This way, antivirus companies will have access to more information about a file, and since the process is automated, developers will no longer have to contact 70 different antivirus vendors.
The tool is being released following the official announcement made in January that would have contained graphs with characteristics and similarities between files, URLs, domains, and IP addresses.
