No, VirusTotal is not 100% safe, but it's a valuable tool.
While VirusTotal is highly regarded for its ability to aggregate results from multiple antivirus engines, it is important to understand its limitations. The service itself does not pose a threat, as described in the reference, which states, "The issue isn't with VirusTotal, which does a commendable job in aggregating results." The potential risks lie more with how the service is used.
Understanding VirusTotal's Functionality
VirusTotal works by taking submitted files or URLs and analyzing them using a wide array of antivirus and security tools. The results, which are shared, help identify potential malware.
Why VirusTotal Is Not 100% Safe
The primary reason it isn't 100% safe relates to user behavior and potential exposure, rather than the tool itself. Here are some key considerations:
1. Uploading Sensitive Information
When you upload a file to VirusTotal for scanning, it's shared with security vendors and the community. Therefore:
- Avoid uploading files that contain sensitive, private or confidential data.
- Be aware that once uploaded, your file is not private.
2. False Positives and Negatives
No security tool is perfect. VirusTotal may:
- Report a safe file as malicious (false positive).
- Fail to identify a malicious file (false negative).
- Therefore, always assess results cautiously.
3. Reliance on Third-Party Results
VirusTotal aggregates the analyses of various vendors. It's important to:
- Recognize that the accuracy is based on the combined accuracy of these vendors, so any one vendor's flaws may influence the outcome.
- Not treat VirusTotal results as an absolute guarantee of security
How to Use VirusTotal Safely
To minimize risks while using VirusTotal:
- Be Selective: Only upload files or URLs you're comfortable sharing publicly.
- Verify Sources: Cross-reference VirusTotal results with other reputable sources.
- Update Antivirus: Use it alongside your up-to-date antivirus software.
Conclusion
VirusTotal is a powerful and useful tool for malware analysis. The reference confirms, "VirusTotal is a great service that aggregates results from multiple antivirus engines." However, 100% safety is unattainable because user errors and inherent limitations of security tools can still present risk. Always use caution.
