A cleanup tool is security software used after a system has been infected. Its job is to remove malware, delete persistence mechanisms, quarantine malicious files, and sometimes restore damaged settings or system components. Unlike a prevention-focused antivirus scanner, a cleanup tool is designed for recovery and remediation once compromise has already occurred.
Cleanup tools matter because infections often leave behind more than one malicious file. Attackers may install services, scheduled tasks, browser changes, or registry edits so they can return after a reboot. A good cleanup tool helps security teams find and undo those changes, reducing the chance of reinfection and restoring normal operations faster. In practice, cleanup tools are often used alongside endpoint protection, incident response, and reimaging workflows, especially when detection happened late or the system must be returned to service quickly.