VirusTotal URL Scanner

VirusTotal is an online service that analyzes files and URLs to detect viruses, worms, trojans, and other kinds of malicious content. It aggregates the output of dozens of antivirus scanners and URL blocklists. It is heavily used by IT professionals and cybersecurity researchers for rapid threat intelligence.

Yes, VirusTotal offers a free public API and web interface for individuals to scan files and URLs. However, it requires users to upload potentially sensitive files to a public database, which might not be suitable for private corporate data. Premium enterprise tiers are available for advanced features and private scanning.

VirusTotal simultaneously scans submissions against over 70 different antivirus engines and website reputation services. This includes major engines like Kaspersky, McAfee, Symantec, and Bitdefender. By cross-referencing all these tools, it drastically reduces the chance of a false negative.

VirusTotal was acquired by Google in September 2012 to enhance its own internal security infrastructure. It was later spun out and is currently a subsidiary of Chronicle, a cybersecurity company under the Alphabet umbrella. Despite the corporate transitions, the tool remains free for public use.