VirusTotal Reviews

Name: VirusTotal
Brand: VirusTotal
Rating: 4 (5 reviews)

4.4 out of 5

5 reviews
100% willing to recommend

112 followers

What is VirusTotal?

VirusTotal is an essential tool for gathering malware information, analyzing compromised data, and monitoring malicious campaigns.

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VirusTotal is the #7 ranked solution in top Anti-Malware Tools and top Threat Intelligence Platforms. PeerSpot users give VirusTotal an average rating of 8.8 out of 10. Based on the analysis of the 5 most recent VirusTotal reviews, the overall sentiment is positive, with a sentiment score of 7.6. (The highest in the category). VirusTotal is most commonly compared to Microsoft Defender for Endpoint: VirusTotal vs Microsoft Defender for Endpoint. VirusTotal is popular among the large enterprise segment, accounting for 60% of users researching this solution on PeerSpot. The top industry researching this solution are professionals from a computer software company, accounting for 17% of all views.

Buyer's Guide

Anti-Malware Tools

October 2024

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Helped 813,418 peers since 2012

Featured reviews

Chinmay Banerjee

Advisor Adtech/Martech/API product/project Engineering at Fiserv

There are two gray areas I still need to explore. I have worked with VirusTotal because it easily integrates with over seventy antivirus scanners and blacklisting services. In addition to those there is much scope to improve and add other services or integrations. The areas for improvement are that VirusTotal is not using much AI or generative AI models, while other competitors are starting to build them. For example, VirusTotal's work is based on the setup done by their engineers. If you want to do scanning or protection activities for a specific site, app, or device, that is the area VirusTotal is currently focused on. But other competitors are building AI models that can do things like left-side scanning and provide auto-generated reports. VirusTotal has predefined reports, but there is a lot of manual effort involved. Secondly, the API is very limited if I want to integrate VirusTotal with other applications. They need to build more connectors and provide support for Webhook connectors for the API. If you can't build your own connector, it's always good to have provisions for Webhook setup connectors across platforms. Thirdly, Kaspersky, a competitor of VirusTotal, is using a methodology called "gatekeeper." A gatekeeper is a security system that protects the inside of a building from outside threats. This is the model Kaspersky is currently using. You have your website set up, but the entire army of VirusTotal or Kaspersky is standing guard, protecting you from the first gate itself. Right now, VirusTotal detects threats from your domain, but it is always better to verify inside the domain and protect it from the first level when people or malware are entering. This first level of protection is lacking in VirusTotal right now. The security bridge and protection gate are missing.

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Muhammad Hanif

Cyber Security Senior Consultant at Inspira Enterprise

I am working in GRC, and sometimes VirusTotal is just a tool. We mostly use VirusTotal for pinging suspicious IP addresses. Whenever there is a suspicious IP, we put it inside VirusTotal for further details. We use it to get details about IP originations or when we need to check IPs, URLs, or…

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Burak AKCAGUN

Business Development Manager at Axoft Ukraine

I use VirusTotal to examine and manually investigate data leaks, compromised information, and malware. If some malware is targeted at our region, I try to find that with the hash in IoC and create alerts. For example, if some attacker creates ransomware and targets Turkey's financial sector, I…

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VirusTotal mindshare

Product category:

As of October 2024, the mindshare of VirusTotal in the Anti-Malware Tools category stands at 6.8%, down from 7.6% compared to the previous year, according to calculations based on PeerSpot user engagement data.

Anti-Malware Tools

Key learnings from peers

Last updated Oct 17, 2024

Valuable Features

VirusTotal excels in its extensive malware information database and impressive detection, blocking, and removal capabilities. Its comprehensive API systems enable users to automate threat analysis by checking IP addresses, hashes, and URIs. Users appreciate its ability to identify threats, detect phishing attempts, and monitor compromised email IDs. Integration with over 70 antivirus scanners enhances its effectiveness. Detailed reports on suspicious IPs, malware activities, and Trojans are highly valued by users seeking to improve security measures.

"It gives detailed information about suspicious IPs, which is one of its most valuable features."
"The product is easy to use with coding, such as Python or Java, via its API."
"It can scan the dark web and find if an email ID has been compromised. This is another area that we have not explored yet."

Room for Improvement

VirusTotal's user interface needs enhancement. Users desire automation and improved integration with other applications. Documentation for creating queries is insufficient. Advanced AI features and models used by competitors are lacking. Limited API and missing security methodology like Kaspersky's "gatekeeper" require attention. The platform's effectiveness in threat detection from inside domains and first-level protection is inadequate. Better advertising, especially in the Middle East, is needed to increase recognition. Integrations with more services or features are essential.

"VirusTotal needs better advertisement and promotion, especially in the Middle East, since it is not yet widely recognized or popular in that region."
"The platform could improve in the areas of endpoints and networks."
"VirusTotal has predefined reports, but there is a lot of manual effort involved."

ROI

The ROI from VirusTotal is positive.

Pricing

Enterprise buyers report mixed experiences with VirusTotal pricing. Some find it economical and pocket-friendly, while others see it as expensive. Pricing is considered good compared to competitors. VirusTotal offers a customizable approach, providing a one-week trial followed by a negotiation period for cost discussions. Many users manage costs by utilizing free licenses across multiple accounts. For precise pricing, engaging directly with VirusTotal is recommended to tailor solutions based on specific requirements.

"We are using VirusTotal with free licenses, managing the license limits across three or four accounts, thus incurring no costs."
"The pricing is reasonable."
"VirusTotal is an expensive solution."

Popular Use Cases

VirusTotal is primarily used for examining malware, analyzing samples in cybersecurity cases, and investigating data breaches. Companies utilize it to explore malicious campaigns, implement IOCs and YARA rules, and detect suspicious activities. They use VirusTotal’s API to verify IP addresses and identify malicious content via antivirus engines. It aids in analyzing files privately, relevant for sectors like retail and FinTech, enhancing productivity and security in website and application management.

Service and Support

VirusTotal's customer service shows potential but lacks a solid structure. Response times for technical cases could be faster, although users find the support team active and accessible via email. They offer separate lines for commercial and technical assistance, with a higher score for technical aid. Some users experience issues with outdated contact numbers. Contract options vary, catering to specific requirements, with discounts sometimes available. Feedback suggests good interaction, albeit with room for improvement.

Deployment

VirusTotal's initial setup is straightforward and easy, often taking about three days. Users can integrate it via API for websites, apps, or systems. Onboarding is simple with support and user manuals available. A dashboard provides malware detection insights. The setup includes integration with PCs, servers, and directories. VirusTotal offers services through a cloud API or options like Cisco. They inspect over 70 antivirus scanners, handling both domains and URLs for robust security.

Scalability

The scalability of VirusTotal's solution appears to be impressive. Users appreciate its ability to handle a significant volume of data and effectively process it without any issues. The solution is described as highly efficient and capable of accommodating the needs of both small and large organizations. Users have found it to be capable of handling complex tasks effortlessly.

Stability

VirusTotal is deemed reliable. Users have highlighted its consistent performance and robustness in detecting and analyzing viruses. Additionally, users have expressed satisfaction with the solution's ability to provide accurate results consistently over time.

These insights are based on the in-depth reviews provided by peers to help you make a better buying decision.

Download our Anti-Malware Tools Buyer's Guide for additional reliable information.

Top industries

By visitors reading reviews

Computer Software Company

17%

Financial Services Firm

10%

Government

10%

Manufacturing Company

University

Educational Organization

Energy/Utilities Company

Comms Service Provider

Retailer

Insurance Company

Healthcare Company

Media Company

Hospitality Company

Wholesaler/Distributor

Construction Company

Real Estate/Law Firm

Non Profit

Legal Firm

Recreational Facilities/Services Company

Pharma/Biotech Company

Marketing Services Firm

Transportation Company

Performing Arts

Consumer Goods Company

Compare VirusTotal with alternative products

Learn more about VirusTotal

VirusTotal enables users to examine malware hashes, create alerts for targeted attacks, and utilize IOCs and YARA rules to detect threats. Its private scanning capabilities ensure discreet file analysis, while the API assesses IP address threats. Widely used in sectors like retail and FinTech, VirusTotal significantly boosts productivity.

What are the most valuable features of VirusTotal?

Worldwide malware information database: Extensive global repository of malware data.
Integration with 70+ antivirus scanners: Collaborates with numerous antivirus and blacklisting services.
API systems for reputation checks: Multiple API systems to verify reputations.
Detecting, blocking, and removing threats: Robust threat mitigation capabilities.
Blocking phishing attempts: Effective in preventing phishing attacks.
Scanning the dark web: Monitors dark web for compromised emails.
Privacy in threat data collection: Ensures privacy while gathering threat data.

What benefits should users look for in VirusTotal reviews?

Enhanced threat detection: Improved accuracy in identifying threats.
Increased productivity: Streamlined processes and faster incident response.
Seamless integration: Compatibility with existing security frameworks.
Comprehensive threat intelligence: Access to extensive threat data.
Privacy assurance: Ensures user data confidentiality.

VirusTotal is highly valued in industries like retail and FinTech, where it assists in examining malware hashes, creating alerts, and utilizing IOCs and YARA rules for advanced threat detection. Despite its valuable features, there is room for improvement in its interface, automation, AI integration, and API connectability, areas where competitors sometimes offer more advanced solutions.