VirTool Malware – Threat details
VirTool is a heuristic threat detection term that antivirus engines use to classify threats that share characteristics and patterns. The threat name refers to malware that is used to propagate and create malware. It also makes it considerably more difficult for antivirus software to detect and remove because VirTool malware often obscures the malicious code and uses methods such as disabling security measures.

These threats are also intended to facilitate the development, deployment, and control of malware within an infected computer system. These sorts of malware are frequently used by cybercriminals to avoid detection of their harmful code and to keep the virus operational on the targetted user's device.
Antivirus threat detection in general
Antivirus software employs large-scale databases that contain a tremendous amount of known signatures and patterns for all known computer viruses, malware, ransomware, trojans, adware, and other dangerous software that researchers and others around the world may have discovered in the wild.
Antivirus software frequently relies on these databases. To detect and remove malware from the computer, they must first scan it and compare it to a database of unique signatures or identification markers for dangerous software.
When an antivirus detects a file or harmful program on a user's computer and its signature matches one in the database, it removes the malicious file from the machine. Similarly, an antivirus may safeguard a computer in real-time by routinely checking the system for threat signatures stored in its database every few minutes.
In this instance, VirTool is considered a sub-category inside these databases since it is not a single threat that an antivirus may identify, but rather a collection of different threats that come under the same label. Since VirTool malware is employed by cybercriminals as a tool to help their malicious code propagate and advance in the computer system, it has a wide range of use cases, therefore creating several threat signatures and patterns.
Behavior of the threat
Cybercriminals are able to use VirTool (also known as Virus Tool) for a variety of purposes. The ultimate purpose is to always aid malware in effectively infecting a computer system. It is typically accomplished through modifying other harmful programs, effectively obfuscating parts of their code to make them undetectable by antivirus engines.
VirTool malware's action includes modifying antivirus settings or policies to create exceptions for processes associated with this malicious software. Another common characteristic of this type of threat is the modification of the built-in Windows Defender parameters to tamper with and weaken the computer system's protection, allowing malware to spread and avoid detection, as well as removal.
Threats under VirTool can also run PowerShell scripts and CMD commands, posing a security risk to the infected PC. Which can include downloading additional malware payloads onto the computer, and introducing new dangerous dangers to the system.
VirTool malware threats
Since many computer users utilize the built-in Windows Defender rather than other antivirus solutions, cybercriminals often use VirTool malware to target the said Windows protection program. Cybercriminals utilize VirTool malware to weaken the computer's default main line of protection, exposing the system to infection.
Here are some of the most prevalent VirTool malware threats:
VirTool:Win32/ExcludeProc

Common detections:
- VirTool:Win32/ExcludeProc.C
- VirTool:Win32/ExcludeProc.D
This malicious software is used to prevent certain processes, such as those used by the malicious software, from being scanned by antivirus software, particularly Windows Defender. With this, the malicious code will run undetected by the security application, allowing malware to propagate.
VirTool:Win32/DefenderTamperingRestore

Another prevalent Virus Tool version that many people may have already spotted on their PC. This malware is designed to tamper with the Windows Defender program to disable the Tamper Protection mechanism, allowing the malware payload to go undetected when tampering with system processes and files.
VirTool:PowerShell/MaleficAms

Common detections:
- VirTool:PowerShell/MaleficAms.L
- VirTool:PowerShell/MaleficAms.H
MaleficAms is a PowerShell-based tool that is used to run malicious scripts and commands while avoiding detection by antivirus software. This dangerous VirTool variant leverages a strong scripting language to run malicious programs, download, execute, and disguise numerous types of malware via obfuscated scripts that security tools may find hard to detect.
Distribution method
We discovered that the VirTool malware is frequently installed alongside dangerous software and adware. VirTool malware is not downloaded into the computer on its own; rather, it is a tool that aids in the faster and more effective spread of malware. As a result of downloading malware-infected cracked torrents and pirated video games, we discovered malware and VirTool on the same computer.
Aside from that, one of the most typical ways a computer can be infected with this form of malware is by running a malicious drive-by download file containing harmful code. In addition, opening phishing emails with malware-infected attachments is a well-known strategy for thieves to target a computer.
Summary of the threat
Malware name | VirTool (Virus Tool) |
Detection engine | Windows Defender |
Delivery network | Drive-by download, infected torrents, and pirated software downloads |
Malware behavior | Assist malware in spreading throughout the system and avoiding detection by security software. |
Damage | Further malware infection, data loss, and account breaches |
More about VirTool malware
VirTool malware can cause numerous difficulties in a computer system. If it is effective in assisting a dangerous infection, it can spread to other computers on the same network, as well as detachable disks and USB devices.
As a result, if you were infected with the said threat and Windows Defender was unable to remediate the threat, we recommend that you remove both the VirTool virus and any other malware that has become embedded in the computer system. To remove all malware from your computer, please follow our official malware removal steps below.
VirTool removal guide
If you are in need of help removing VirTool from your computer system, you came to the right place.
This particular section will show you how to completely remove the said malware threat from your device.
We considered the technical skills of the people who use the internet, so we made sure the steps are simple enough that even those who aren't tech-savvy could follow them.
Before you proceed, ensure sure you have a backup of your data saved somewhere.
If you don't, your files may be destroyed or lost while you complete the instructions below.
These types of incidents are uncommon, but we recommend taking precautions just in case.
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To remove the VirTool malware from your computer, you only need to follow a simple three-step procedure:
Step 1: Delete the malicious software
We must first find and remove malicious software that may be potentially linked to VirTool.
While the Add & Remove Programs page in more recent Windows settings allows you to accomplish this, it is far simpler to use the Programs and Features page in the Control Panel.
Since all of the information will be in one grid screen, including the publisher name, the installation date, and the version number, it will be simpler to locate the virus. Here's how to do so:
1. Click on the Windows key to open the Start menu.

2. Type Control Panel in the provided search bar and select the first item from the search results.

3. Click on Programs and inside, select Programs and Features.

4. You will be presented with a list of programs currently installed on your computer.

5. Find VirTool and right-click the item then select Uninstall/Change from the dropdown menu.

We'll need to use a powerful uninstaller to do the dirty work for us if the software is stubborn and won't go away with normal approaches.
Fortunately, there are tools for this; Revo Uninstaller is a good uninstaller program made to tackle and remove uninstallable programs.

1. To start, download Revo Uninstaller by clicking here. Avoid downloading from third-party sources as they may contain additional bloatware upon installation.

2. On the download page, opt for the free version of Revo Uninstaller as it has all the features we need. Click on Free Download to begin downloading the setup file.

3. The revosetup.exe file would have started downloading. Click on it to start installing the software.

4. Revo Uninstaller setup would now begin and follow the typical setup procedure such as selecting your setup language, accepting the license agreement, and selecting the installation location. Once setup is ready click Install.

5. After the setup is finished, check the Launch Revo Uninstaller option to open the program upon closing the installer.

6. Once Revo Uninstaller has opened, it will show you the list of applications currently installed on the computer. Find VirTool, right-click it, and select Uninstall from the drop-down menu. (We will be using PC App Store to demonstrate.)

7. A confirmation message stating if you are sure you want to uninstall the said program, click Continue.

8. Follow the uninstallation instructions and this time, Revo Uninstaller would have forced the program to continue with the uninstallation compared to the previous attempt via Control Panel.

9. You will be notified that the software has been uninstalled, Revo Uninstaller will now conduct a preliminary examination and get rid of additional files and registries related to VirTool.

10. On the selection of Scanning modes, select Advanced to make sure everything is scanned without leaving a single directory unnoticed.

11. Wait for the scan to finish as Revo Uninstaller is checking for residual files and registries related to VirTool.

12. Revo Uninstaller may have found leftover Registry items, click Select All and proceed to delete them by clicking the Delete button next to it. After that, click Next.

13. It may have also found some leftover files and folders, simply do the same by clicking Select All and deleting them. Now click Finish and the uninstallation of VirTool is done.

Step 2: Run malware scans
Antivirus engines may not detect new threats in the early stages of infection due to the malware not yet being recognized by the security software. It might be discovered in the end, but it may be too late for the infected machines.
However, new malware threats may contain strings and signatures from previous malware in a database of existing security products. As a result, other antivirus software may identify it while others do not.
Since some antivirus software may not be able to detect it, we'll need more than one piece of security software to help us locate and remove the harmful threat.
Please run the software individually. You can do so in any particular order.
- Removal Tool
- Emergency Kit
- ESET Scanner
- Malwarebytes
Kaspersky Virus Removal Tool is an excellent tool for scanning and disinfecting malware-infected computers. Please note that this tool is separate from the mainstream Kaspersky security applications, so worry not about the company's controversies.
1. To start, download the Kaspersky Virus Removal Tool.

2. Once the download of the executable file (KVRT.exe) is complete. The program doesn't need to be installed on the computer, so you may begin running it straight away.

3. After reading the KSN Statement, Privacy Policy, and End User License Agreement, check the box indicating your agreement to the terms and conditions. To continue, click Accept.

4. Please wait for the system initialization process to finish, as the program will first check if your system is compatible.

5. Before we start scanning, we will have to set the scope of the scan. Click the Change parameters option to do so.

6. Check all the boxes to allow the computer to search through all of the disks and directories for malware. After that, click OK to return to the main screen.

7. We can now begin the scan; simply click the Start scan button, and the Virus Removal Tool will begin.

8. Await the scan's completion with patience. If there are any risks within the computer system, a notification will be displayed.

9. To completely remove the risks that the program has identified, click Delete from the drop-down menu of each discovered object.

10. Click Continue to remove the identified malware threats from your computer.

As the name implies, the Emergency Kit software by Emsisoft is a must-use in your malware scanner arsenal. It features the same powerful scanning technology used by their flagship software, Emsisoft Anti-Malware.
1. Download the Emsisoft Emergency Kit portable software.

2. You can launch the executable program (EmsisoftEmergencyKit.exe) directly from your downloads folder after downloading it.

3. Click Yes to let the program start on the computer when the User Account Control window appears.

4. Choose your program's destination folder and accept the license and maintenance terms. Next, click Install to continue.

5. Click Malware Scan on the homepage of the Emergency Kit application to start the scanning process. The amount of time it takes for the program to scan your computer will depend on how many files you have and the hardware capabilities of your system.

6. Emsisoft Emergency Scanner will display a list of the files that the program has detected when the scan is complete. To get rid of threats from your computer, click on Quarantine selected.

7. To complete the malware removal procedure, Emsisoft Emergency Scanner may also ask you to restart your computer. Simply click Reboot your system to finish the process.

ESET Online Scanner is a program that is designed only to remove malware threats from your computer for free. It is simple to use and features an advanced malware detection system. There is no need for registration, free trials, or anything else. Simply download, execute, and remove the malware.
1. Download the most recent version of ESET Online Scanner.

2. After pressing the download button, the file (Esetonlinescanner.exe) should have been downloaded to your computer. It does not require any installations so you can simply run the aforementioned file.

3. Before using ESET Online Scanner, it must be initialized. Choose your preferred language and click Get started. Continue as directed by the screen until the homepage appears.

4. Click Computer scan from the homepage, then select Full scan from the three options available.

5. Give ESET Online Scanner the permission to detect and remove potentially unwanted apps by ticking the Enable option. After that, click Start scan to begin the scanning process.

6. Await the completion of the malware scan for your machine by the ESET Online Scanner. ESET Online Scanner would have automatically removed the threats it found after the scan. To complete the malware cleanup process, click Proceed.

Malwarebytes Anti-malware is well-known in the security field; they have helped many people with malware issues through their software, and downloading it will help you as well.
Note: We will only use the free version of Malwarebytes because it includes all of the capabilities we require.
1. Download the latest version of Malwarebytes Anti-malware.

2. Malwarebytes will start downloading (MBSetup.exe) the installation file. Run the executable after the download is complete.

3. To allow the program to execute, simply click Yes in the User Account Control window that may appear.

4. The Malwarebytes setup wizard will now open; select Install to continue.

5. You will be prompted by Malwarebytes to install the Browser Guard extension. Depending on whether you want it on your browser or not, you can choose to download it (the extension is completely free).

6. Please wait as the Malwarebytes Setup installs itself. Follow the on-screen instructions until you have successfully installed Malwarebytes.

7. Start by launching Malwarebytes Anti-malware for the first time after it has been installed. If you're installing Malwarebytes for the first time, you'll get a 14-day free trial of the premium version.

8. After the program takes you to the main dashboard, click the Scanner box in the middle to start scanning the computer.

9. You won't click Scan just yet when you get to the Scanner page. Rather, select Advanced scans as shown below.

10. In the Custom scan section, click Configure scan. We will be able to alter the way the software scans the computer as a result.

11. To detect hidden malware, click the box next to Scan for rootkits on the Configure Custom Scan screen. Additionally, to enable Malwarebytes to scan every drive on your computer, check the boxes next to each one.

12. Once the Custom Scan options have been adjusted, click the Start Custom Scan button to get started.

13. A side window displaying the computer scan's progress will appear. Please wait until Malwarebytes has completed its malware scan of the entire system.

14. Following the completion of the scan, a list of threats found will appear. Check the boxes near all the malicious files and get rid of them from the computer by clicking the Quarantine button.

If prompted, please restart your computer since Malwarebytes may require it.
Step 3: Use the Tron Script (Optional)
The Tron script fights for the user, therefore it is one of our all-time favorites; it uses practically every removal and optimization method known to man, all with the touch of a single button.
It automates functions and programs for removing malware and bloatware, as well as cleaning up the computer, so the user behind the screen doesn't have to do any work at all.
With that being said, let us proceed and use the Tron script to clean the system:
1. To start, download the Tron script.

2. Extract the downloaded Tron file, with the use of an archiver like 7-Zip. Please keep in mind that you will not run the Tron script exactly as it is downloaded. You'll need to extract the.exe first.

3. After extracting the compressed file, open the Tron folder, right-click the Tron script, and run it as administrator.

4. The Tron script would have opened up and initialized by updating the database and checking the repo.

5. Once the initialization is finished, the disclaimer will be shown on the screen. Read it and type I AGREE in all caps to continue.

6. After agreeing to the disclaimer, it will show your current settings, as well as the Runtime estimate on how long the script may run. Press any key to begin running the Tron script on the system.

7. It will create a system restore point before beginning the process so if you run into any issues after running the script, you can always restore to the point it created before it started.

8. Please wait for the whole process to finish. You may see Tron script download and run multiple programs on the computer but it will uninstall them after finishing the process. This might take a long time as shown on the Runtime estimate.

9. Once everything has finished, the CMD window will have turned green which indicates that the process is a success. Press any key on your keyboard to close the Tron script.

10. To finalize the Tron script process, we recommend that you restart your computer.

After restarting your computer, you should no longer see the presence of VirTool or other malware threats.
You can always use the Tron script as a last option if you believe your machine is infected and there is no chance of detecting the malware.
Computer protection tips
As the saying goes: “The biggest vulnerability is the person behind the screen“
So, here are some tips and what you need to know in order to keep your device safe and malware-free in the long run.
Keep every software installed up to date
Make sure that all of the programs in your computer is up-to-date with the latest version released by the developer. The reason behind this is that these updates frequently tackle bugs and issues that malware actors often exploit.
The same goes for your computer's operating system, make sure Windows is up-to-date with the latest software update to prevent malware from exploiting a hidden vulnerability.
Avoid downloading files from unknown sources
One of the biggest sources of malware infection in a computer system is third-party installations. This happens when a user downloads a certain program from sources that are not the official download links. Some of the common types of sources where malware is present are torrent files, cracked software, and games.
Be careful with opening email attachments
Malware often disguises itself as resumes and quotations and threat actors often send thousands of these infected emails to company employees around the world in order to infiltrate their network.
Always check where your emails are coming from as there may be a chance that the project attachment you received via email did not actually come from a co-worker.
Do not visit unreputable websites
Avoid visiting websites that contain unfiltered advertisements such as illegal streaming websites, cracked software platforms, and links sent out to you by somebody you do not trust.
These sites are often linked to redirect chains that load once you click on an ad element on the page. Following this chain often leads to drive-by malware and phishing pages that an average user may eventually fail to notice.