READme.md

READme.md

@@ -1,15 +1,147 @@
+Here’s a consolidated version of the `README.md` that includes **installation**, **dependencies**, **API setup**, **usage**, and **testing** all in one document:
+
+---
+
+```markdown
 # Malware Scanner Tool
 
-A Python-based malware scanning tool for Windows. It uses VirusTotal, YARA rules, and heuristics to detect and map damaged areas of the system.
+A Python-based malware scanning tool for Windows. This tool leverages VirusTotal, YARA rules, and heuristics to identify malicious files, suspicious registry entries, and anomalous processes. Additionally, it generates a visual map of damaged system areas.
+
+---
 
 ## Features
-- **File scanning**: Detects malicious files using hash comparison and YARA rules.
-- **Registry scanning**: Identifies suspicious registry entries.
-- **Process scanning**: Monitors running processes for anomalies.
-- **Visualization**: Generates a visual map of damaged areas using Matplotlib.
+- **File Scanning**: Detects malicious files using SHA256 hashes and YARA rules.
+- **Registry Scanning**: Identifies suspicious registry entries for further inspection.
+- **Process Scanning**: Monitors active processes for anomalous activity.
+- **Visualization**: Creates a graphical representation of damaged system areas using Matplotlib.
+
+---
+
+## Step-by-Step Guide
+
+### 1. Install Dependencies
+To use the Malware Scanner Tool, install the required Python libraries:
+```bash
+pip install psutil requests matplotlib yara-python
+```
+
+Alternatively, use the `requirements.txt` file to install dependencies:
+```bash
+pip install -r requirements.txt
+```
+
+### 2. Set Up VirusTotal API Key
+The scanner uses VirusTotal's API to validate file hashes. Follow these steps to set up:
+1. **Obtain a VirusTotal API Key**:
+   - Go to [VirusTotal](https://www.virustotal.com/) and create a free account.
+   - Navigate to your account settings and copy your API key.
 
-## Installation
-1. Clone the repository:
+2. **Add Your API Key**:
+   - Open `scanner.py` in any text editor.
+   - Locate the following line:
+     ```python
+     VIRUSTOTAL_API_KEY = "your_api_key_here"
+     ```
+   - Replace `"your_api_key_here"` with your actual API key.
+
+---
+
+### 3. Usage Instructions
+1. **Run the Scanner**:
+   Start the scanner by running the following command in the terminal:
    ```bash
-   git clone https://github.com/your-username/malware-scanner.git
+   python scanner.py
+   ```
+
+2. **Provide the Directory to Scan**:
+   When prompted, enter the directory you wish to scan (e.g., `C:\` for the entire C drive).
+
+3. **View Scan Results**:
+   - **Log File**: All findings will be logged in `system_scan.log`.
+   - **Visual Map**: A graphical visualization of affected areas will be saved as `damaged_areas_map.png`.
+
+---
+
+### Example Workflow
+```plaintext
+> python scanner.py
+Enter the directory to scan (e.g., C:\): C:\Users
+Scanning directory: C:\Users
+Suspicious file detected: C:\Users\example\malicious.exe
+Malicious process detected: explorer.exe (C:\Windows\explorer.exe)
+Registry entry flagged: Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run\example
+Scan completed. Check system_scan.log for details.
+```
+
+---
+
+## Testing the Tool
+To ensure safe and reliable execution:
+1. **Test in a Virtual Machine**: Run the tool in a sandboxed environment to mitigate risks.
+2. **Customize YARA Rules**:
+   - Add or edit YARA rules in the `yara_rules/` directory.
+   - Example rule (`rules.yara`):
+     ```yara
+     rule SuspiciousExecutable {
+         strings:
+             $malicious = "malware"
+         condition:
+             $malicious
+     }
+     ```
+   - Reload the tool to apply updated rules.
+
+3. **Simulate Suspicious Files**:
+   Create harmless test files that match YARA rules or hashes to validate detection accuracy.
+
+---
+
+## Troubleshooting
+### Common Issues
+1. **Missing Dependencies**:
+   - Ensure all libraries are installed:
+     ```bash
+     pip install -r requirements.txt
+     ```
+2. **VirusTotal API Key Errors**:
+   - Verify your API key is correctly set in `scanner.py`.
+   - Ensure your VirusTotal account has not exceeded the daily request limit (500 for free accounts).
+
+3. **Permission Errors**:
+   - Run the script as an administrator to access restricted files or registry keys:
+     ```bash
+     python scanner.py
+     ```
+
+---
+
+## Contributing
+We welcome contributions! To contribute:
+1. **Fork the repository** on GitHub.
+2. **Clone your forked repository**:
+   ```bash
+   git clone https://github.com/<Astralchemist>/malware-scanner.git
    cd malware-scanner
+   ```
+3. Create a new branch for your feature:
+   ```bash
+   git checkout -b feature-name
+   ```
+4. Make your changes, commit, and push:
+   ```bash
+   git add .
+   git commit -m "Add feature description"
+   git push origin feature-name
+   ```
+5. **Submit a Pull Request** on GitHub.
+
+---
+
+## Disclaimer
+This tool is for **educational purposes only**. It should be used responsibly and in compliance with applicable laws. Testing on unauthorized systems is prohibited.
+
+---
+
+## License
+This project is licensed under the [MIT License](LICENSE).
+```