There's no such thing as a stupid question, but they're the easiest to answer.
JoinTour
Login
Search
General Security
Tag Cloud
access acer asus bios bsod computer crash driver drivers error ethernet excel freeze gaming google gpu graphics hard drive hardware hdmi internet laptop malware memory modem monitor motherboard network printer problem ram registry repair router security slow software sound trojan usb video virus vista wifi windows windows 7 windows 7 32 bit windows 7 64 bit windows xp wireless
Search
Search for:
Tech Support Guy Forums > Security & Malware Removal > General Security >
Hacktool

Reply  
Thread Tools
Morania's Avatar
Member with 362 posts.
 
Join Date: Mar 2002
Location: Knotts Island, NC
Experience: I know my way aound one,
22-Aug-2008, 01:42 PM #1
Hacktool
I'm posting this in here since it doesn't really have to do with virus removal.
My Norton Anti-virus scan was coming up with an entry for Hacktool, with no "dot something or other." It was really starting to worry me and after a bit of clicking in their not-so-intuitive design, it turns out that the offending file was in a download folder. It was a simple license number finder that I had downloaded a ling time ago from CNET. Quite harmless.

I'm pleased that Symantec can find little bad things like that but I had wished that it was a little more clear where it had found it.

This probably isn't an earth shattering post but I thought I'd share anyway.
__________________
"Never hurry; never rest."
Frank4d's Avatar
Distinguished Member with 8,718 posts.
 
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: So. California
Experience: Since MS-Dos 3.0
22-Aug-2008, 02:51 PM #2
Norton Anti-virus identifies Magical Jellybean Keyfinder, ComboFix and AngryIP Scanner as malware (which they are not) but doesn't do a very good job detecting and removing real threats.
Morania's Avatar
Member with 362 posts.
 
Join Date: Mar 2002
Location: Knotts Island, NC
Experience: I know my way aound one,
22-Aug-2008, 03:16 PM #3
This program wasn't even installed. It was still in zip form in its original folder..

I use Search and Destroy with great results to check for spy/malware.
Cookiegal's Avatar
Administrator & Malware Removal Specialist with 79,271 posts.
 
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: Quebec, Canada
23-Aug-2008, 10:26 AM #4
Many programs get detected as hacktools because of the nature of what they do (their ability to penetrate your system and retrieve and/or alter data). Even legit ones can be used for malicious purposes and may have been installed without your knowledge. Therefore, it's important that they be detected and it's up to the user to do the research to see why this is on their system and whether it is something they know about or want.

Norton creates logs that should identify the location of what was detected although with some program's interfaces it's not always easy to find them.
__________________
Microsoft MVP - Consumer Security

Last edited by Cookiegal; 23-Aug-2008 at 10:44 AM..
Morania's Avatar
Member with 362 posts.
 
Join Date: Mar 2002
Location: Knotts Island, NC
Experience: I know my way aound one,
23-Aug-2008, 10:33 AM #5
Identifiying the location of the file was the stumper. Maybe it was there the whole time, but I finally saw a link for more info that showed the file path.

It would be helpful of them to identify it as a generic hacktool so I don't think I have a real baddy after some Google searches.
__________________
"Never hurry; never rest."
Cookiegal's Avatar
Administrator & Malware Removal Specialist with 79,271 posts.
 
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: Quebec, Canada
23-Aug-2008, 11:08 AM #6
The problem is the scanner cannot always determine a legit hacktool from a malicious one as they all could have that potential.
Reply

THIS THREAD HAS EXPIRED.
Are you having the same problem? We have volunteers ready to answer your question, but first you'll have to join for free. Need help getting started? Check out our Welcome Guide.

Search Tech Support Guy

Find the solution to your
computer problem!




Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 
WELCOME TO TECH SUPPORT GUY! Are you looking for the solution to your computer problem? Join our site today to ask your question -- for free! Our site is run completely by volunteers who want to help you solve your computer problems. See our Welcome Guide to get started.
Thread Tools



Facebook Facebook Twitter Twitter TechGuy.tv TechGuy.tv Mobile TSG Mobile
You Are Using:
Server ID
Advertisements do not imply our endorsement of that product or service.
All times are GMT -4. The time now is 04:30 AM.
Copyright © 1996 - 2011 TechGuy, Inc. All rights reserved.

Powered by Cermak Technologies, Inc.