VirusTotal Reviews

Name: VirusTotal
Brand: VirusTotal
Rating: 4 (7 reviews)

4.4 out of 5

7 reviews
100% willing to recommend

115 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 7 most recent VirusTotal reviews, the overall sentiment is positive, with a sentiment score of 7.0. (Among the highest in the category). VirusTotal is most commonly compared to CrowdStrike Falcon: VirusTotal vs CrowdStrike Falcon. 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 814,325 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 30, 2024

Valuable Features

VirusTotal's most valuable features include a vast malware information database, comprehensive malware and phishing detection, and scanning capabilities for files and URLs. It integrates with over 70 antivirus scanners, enhancing threat identification and prevention. The API systems enable users to automate threat assessment. Valuable insights into suspicious IPs, file analysis, and behavior detection provide detailed threat data. Users appreciate the capability to analyze large files using various sandboxes and malware analysis engines.

"The initial setup is easy."
"It provides detailed insights into possible malicious behavior, dropped files, and TCP connections."
"It gives detailed information about suspicious IPs, which is one of its most valuable features."

Room for Improvement

VirusTotal users suggest improvements in user interface and automation. The need for clearer documentation on query creation is identified due to its reliance on Google Docs. Enhanced AI and generative AI model integration are missing, unlike some competitors. It requires better API capabilities, more integration options, and fewer false positives. Emphasizing the importance of initial security measures within domains is noted. Visibility and awareness in Middle Eastern regions can boost its recognition.

"VirusTotal has different versions, and sometimes the parameters of the API are not very clear."
"There should be room for improvement, particularly in the API side of things."
"VirusTotal needs better advertisement and promotion, especially in the Middle East, since it is not yet widely recognized or popular in that region."

ROI

The ROI from VirusTotal is positive.

Pricing

VirusTotal's pricing varies based on user requirements, but is generally viewed as economical and reasonable compared to competitors. Many users highlight the availability of free licenses and a one-week trial, which provides an opportunity to assess the platform before committing. VirusTotal demonstrates flexibility in pricing, often negotiating costs based on specific needs. Some users manage to operate with free licenses across multiple accounts, avoiding direct expenses.

"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

Users primarily utilize VirusTotal for detecting and analyzing malware, URLs, IP addresses, and suspicious files in cybersecurity investigations. It aids in identifying phishing sites, compromised data, and IoCs, providing insights into malicious activities. VirusTotal is integrated into various platforms for private analysis, enhancing productivity in sectors like retail and FinTech. Through its API, users determine maliciousness and legitimacy of online threats, extensively utilizing hash and YARA rule capabilities for targeted tracking and alert creation.

Service and Support

VirusTotal's technical support receives mixed feedback. Users appreciate its active team and email support channels but mention slow response times and outdated contact information. Some experience challenges obtaining specific use cases and API tokens. Support structure could improve. Customized packages cater to varying user needs, with commercial inquiries taking longer. Despite some dissatisfaction, others find support satisfactory without needing direct contact, benefiting from the platform's comprehensive information and community assistance. Ratings vary from high to moderate, based on user experiences.

Deployment

Setup of VirusTotal is straightforward and easy, often taking about three days. It provides API integration with ease and offers comprehensive onboarding, supported by a user manual and dedicated assistance. Users receive a dashboard for malware detection insights. With a well-developed cloud setup, extensive services are available via API or other options. Integration is simple with endpoints like PCs and servers. Some APIs might lack clarity, despite the generally uncomplicated process.

Scalability

VirusTotal is valued for scalability, with users rating it highly. Organizations find VirusTotal integrates well with other tools and custom APIs. Usage is affected by quotas set in contracts, as exceeding them can hinder performance. It accommodates both smaller teams and larger groups needing its capabilities, though room for improvement is noted. Scalability is appreciated, although reliance on contracted quotas can impact its uninterrupted use, signifying its adaptable yet limited nature depending on contractual terms.

Stability

Users affirm VirusTotal with strong stability, consistently rating it high. They mention it as reliable and readily available, experiencing minimal disruption. While there are occasional non-responsiveness instances, they find it generally dependable.

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

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Review data by company size

By reviewers

By visitors reading reviews

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

Healthcare Company

Insurance Company

Media Company

Hospitality Company

Wholesaler/Distributor

Construction Company

Real Estate/Law Firm

Legal Firm

Non Profit

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.