Hi,

It is definitely understandable why you would be concerned and distrustful after your antivirus flagged CapCut files as containing a Trojan horse. You absolutely did the right thing by following your antivirus software's instructions and removing the flagged files immediately. Your caution and awareness are commendable.

However, seeing an antivirus flag on a popular app like CapCut doesn't automatically mean the app itself, as downloaded from an official source, is inherently malicious. Here are a few possibilities for what might have happened:

1. False Positive: This is a very common occurrence. Antivirus software uses complex detection methods (signatures, heuristics, behavior analysis). Sometimes, the code or behavior of a perfectly legitimate application, especially one that deals with complex file operations and network access like a video editor, can mistakenly resemble patterns associated with malware. Antivirus definitions are constantly updated, and occasionally, an update can lead to a legitimate file being incorrectly flagged. For instance, some users have reported that Avast flagged CapCut downloads as malicious, even when obtained from official sources like capcut.com.
2. Source of Installation: This is crucial. Did you download CapCut directly from the official Google Play Store or the Apple App Store? If you obtained the app from a third-party website, an unofficial app store, or a download link shared online, there's a significant risk that the installation package was tampered with and bundled with actual malware, like a Trojan. The official app stores have security checks in place (though not infallible) to prevent this. Cybercriminals have created fake CapCut websites that distribute malware disguised as the legitimate app. These counterfeit sites often appear in search results or are promoted through social media, leading unsuspecting users to download malicious software.
3. Adware or Potentially Unwanted Programs (PUPs): Sometimes, free applications might include aggressive advertising components or other software functionalities that, while not strictly viruses, behave in ways (like tracking user data excessively or displaying intrusive ads) that some antivirus programs classify as potentially unwanted or even as a type of Trojan due to their intrusive nature.
4. Phishing Campaigns Targeting CapCut Users: There have been phishing campaigns exploiting CapCut's popularity, where attackers distribute malware through deceptive links or fake installers .
5. Modification or Corruption: It's possible, though less likely, that some files associated with the app became corrupted on your device, and this corruption triggered the antivirus detection.
6. An Actual, Brief Threat (Least Likely on Official Stores): While app stores have vetting processes, it's not impossible for a malicious version or update to slip through temporarily before being caught and removed. However, for a high-profile app like CapCut, this would likely generate widespread reports quickly.

What to consider moving forward and Steps to Ensure Your Safety:

• Verify Download Source: Double-check that your CapCut installation came directly from the official App Store (iOS) or Google Play Store (Android). If it didn't, uninstall it immediately and only download from official sources in the future. This is the single most important step for app security. If you're using a desktop version, ensure it's from the official CapCut website.
• Update Your Antivirus: Ensure your antivirus software and its virus definitions are fully up-to-date. Sometimes, a false positive is corrected in a subsequent update. Run a full system scan again after updating.
• Scan with Multiple Antivirus Tools: Use services like VirusTotal to scan the installer. If only one antivirus flags it while others don't, it might be a false positive.
• Report Suspicious Findings: If you believe the detection is a false positive, report it to your antivirus provider. They can analyze the file and update their definitions accordingly.

While CapCut is a legitimate application developed by ByteDance, the presence of counterfeit versions and phishing campaigns necessitates caution. Your proactive approach in removing the flagged files was prudent. If you wish to continue using CapCut, ensure you're obtaining it from trusted sources and maintain regular security checks on your device.

It's perfectly reasonable to feel hesitant about using the app again after this experience. Your security comes first. However, if you can confirm you downloaded CapCut from an official source and your updated antivirus no longer flags it after a full scan, the likelihood of it being a false positive is quite high. If you obtained it elsewhere, the risk was likely from the source, not the legitimate app itself.

If you need assistance in verifying the authenticity of a download link or have further concerns, feel free to ask.