Over 30,000 websites are hacked on a daily basis while up to 64% of companies worldwide have experienced some form of cyberattack. That is why it is important to rely on more than your antivirus software for protection.
Security solutions such as VirusTotal have grown in popularity because they provide an extra layer of cushioning for individuals and organizations.
VirusTotal is a website where anyone can upload a file or URL and have it scanned for any suspicious content or behavior and then have a report generated based on the findings.
However, VirusTotal often shares its reports with every user on the platform and that can compromise privacy. There is also no guarantee that the version of the antivirus available on VirusTotal is as up-to-date as your own.
Additionally, it may fail to identify targeted attacks and only gives feedback on common malware and viruses. That is why it is prudent to consider VirusTotal alternatives that offer an even better experience while keeping your systems safe.
Below is a list of some of the most impressive alternatives to VirusTotal.
Check it out.
Best VirusTotal Alternatives
1. MetaDefender Cloud
MetaDefender Cloud is a cloud-based service that helps prevent cyberattacks and offers malware analysis. The cloud-based platform was developed and is managed by OPSWAT.
Organizations that receive files or invitations to visit URLs can go to this platform and upload their files or enter the URL to run checks before opening them. One of the best things about this platform is that it utilizes over 20 antivirus engines to scan and detect any potential threats.
Unlike VirusTotal which handles just about three types of files, MetaDefender Cloud offers protection against threats from multiple channels including URLs, IP addresses, domains, CVEs, traditional files, and hash.
MetaDefender features a simple user interface allowing users to quickly upload files and run scans. Users can also drag and drop files instead of going through the traditional uploading method.
This particular platform can scan hundreds of files and return results within 10 seconds. Take note that organizations deal with hundreds or thousands of files in a day and it is, therefore, important to pick an anti-malware protection service that offers speedy results.
Another impressive thing about this service is that it can remove embedded malware from files such as Office documents and PDFs.
The MetaDefender system is regularly updated to ensure that new malware and viruses can be detected and detonated without causing any serious harm to the organization in question.
Also Read: Difference Between Firewall & Antivirus
2. Hybrid Analysis
Next up on this list of the best VirusTotal alternatives is Hybrid Analysis. It is a web-based service that provides quick malware analysis to help prevent cyberattacks.
Once you get to the Hybrid Analysis platform, you can upload your files and have them scanned for viruses and malware. You can also submit URLs for quick scans and receive a detailed report within a few seconds.
The platform has a simple build so that just about anyone can use it without having to read or watch any guides and tutorials. There is an option for uploading single files for quick analysis and another for uploading multiple files simultaneously.
One of the best things about using this service is that it can handle multiple types of files including PE, Office, PDF, APK, Executable JAR, HTML applications, and Javascript among others.
It slightly differs from VirusTotal because it also integrates with other tools including Phantom, TOR, SIEM systems, and NSRL.
Another thing that distinguishes this service from others is that it gives a detailed report of each scan rather than just indicating if the file in question is good or bad.
3. Jotti
Jotti is the next alternative to VirusTotal you can opt to use. It is a free online service that allows individuals from across the globe to upload their files and scan them for malware.
Jotti utilizes multiple antivirus engines to ensure that users get the most helpful results after every scan. Users are free to upload individual files or use the batch option that accommodates the uploading of up to five files simultaneously.
In most cases, the Jotti system can analyze files within a few seconds and provide the necessary reports for action. It is worth pointing out that Jotti’s results are categorized according to individual antivirus scanners.
That means you are likely to get several reports from different antivirus engines. It is also important to note that Jotti utilizes some of the most popular antivirus engines which is a plus.
Jotti has a simple user interface with a minimalist design to ensure that anyone can easily get acquainted and start using its features. Note that you do not have to register or open an account to use this service.
Simply visit the web page and upload the files you want to scan and then wait a few seconds for the reports. Results are provided through a permalink so you can always refer to it whenever you want.
Check Out: Malwarebytes vs Bitdefender
4. ANY.RUN
ANY.RUN is the next online service you can use to check for and prevent threats that would otherwise compromise your systems. In contrast to VirusTotal, ANY.RUN is designed to be an interactive solution.
That means you can get real-time feedback on any action you undertake. This particular design ensures that you get the answers you want immediately and that you can make decisions as soon as possible.
ANY.RUN comes in a free version with limited features and functions ideal for individual use. Organizations that require continuous large-scale scans should consider subscribing to one of its premium plans that unlock more powerful features and functions.
On this platform, users are free to run as many tests as they wish. They can even run a test on a particular file and then repeat it to ensure that the results are foolproof.
This particular service also accommodates URL tests in any browser and that makes it stand out as one of the most convenient on the list. Users can run a quick scan for items with low threat levels or go for the deeper analysis option to ensure that nothing gets past their defenses.
In case you encounter any problems while using the ANY.RUN platform, you can always get in touch with the support department for quick resolutions.
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5. VirSCAN
Another excellent service you can use to stay safe from cyberattacks is VirSCAN. It is a free service available online.
VirSCAN has one of the cleanest interfaces which makes it a pleasant platform to use especially when you just want to scan a file and get on with other activities. It has a large box in the center of the home page where you can simply drag and drop your file before you initiate a scan.
Alternatively, you can click on the browse button to open your local storage device and then upload a file directly into the system. Once you initiate a scan, you can rest assured that your file is being analyzed by up to 47 internationally renowned scan engines.
A single scan ensures that you receive multiple reports from different scan engines. You can also raise a hash query through this platform to prevent URL tampering and secure HTTP requests whenever they are made through a web browser.
Also Read: What Is Web Companion Software & Should It Be Removed?
6. Urlscan.io
Urlscan.io allows users to input any URL into the system and then run a quick scan to determine whether it is safe or not.
Once you input the URL, the service will start analyzing a variety of things on that page including cookies and the IPs that are contacted in the process. It will also record the resources on that page including things like Javascript and CSS.
The service also captures the DOM content and global variables at that particular time. Once the process is finished, the service will automatically take a screenshot of the page.
All these observations contribute to the overall report you get. Keep in mind that URLs that target users are likely to give out certain signals or behave in an abnormal manner and that will be captured and recorded as an unsafe site.
Urlscan.io differs from VirusTotal because it specializes in checking URLs rather than other file types. The service allows users to specify the country from which they want to scan their URLs.
While it has a simple interface and a straightforward way of inputting information, you can always visit the blog section to find tutorials or read about new products and updates.
This service is available free of charge and only works when connected to the internet. The service is also available for commercial use with more features and superior support.
Commercial use requires direct contact with the sales department for discussions regarding the paid plans available.
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7. Cuckoo Sandbox
Another impressive tool you can use when trying to check if a file is safe or not is Cuckoo Sandbox. It is a free and open-source solution for anyone that wants to stay safe on the internet.
The fact that it is open-source means anyone can access its source code and make a few modifications to suit their needs without having to worry about breaching any laws. Cuckoo Sandbox allows users to upload a variety of files into the system before having them analyzed.
It has an isolated environment where files are opened and then monitored for any suspicious or malicious behavior. The process of analyzing files within this system is quite simple because everything happens automatically.
Most reports are generated within a few seconds which means you can throw in as many files as you want and have them analyzed in a short time.
Cuckoo Sandbox can accommodate both files and URLs, making it one of the most convenient ways for you to prevent cyberattacks.
8. AbuseIPDB
AbuseIPDB is another online service that seeks to promote safety and security for people using the internet. In contrast to VirusTotal which checks files and URLs, this particular service specializes in checking IP addresses.
Keep in mind that certain cyberattacks tend to originate from the same IP addresses consistently. Services such as AbuseIPDB are able to scour the internet and identify IP addresses that are associated with attacks and classify them as unsafe.
To check if the IP you are about to interact with is safe, simply visit the AbuseIPDB site and enter the IP address in question and then run a check. Alternatively, you can enter the domain name and let the system do the rest.
You can also search through the site’s database to find out if there are any negative reports generated regarding any particular IP address. In case you encounter any abusive IP address, you can also visit the site and report it.
That helps in growing the database and ensuring that other internet users stay safe. AbuseIPDB is a free service and is open to use by everyone.
9. ReversingLabs TitaniumCloud
ReversingLabs TitaniumCloud is a threat intelligence solution that can help you generate reports, classify threats, and give context to just about any goodware or malware you may encounter. On this platform, users can run checks on various types of files or input URLs for analysis.
The platform utilizes File Decomposition Technology to analyze every file or URL that is entered into the system. This technology helps ensure a thorough check of files and then generates detailed reports to help with threat classification.
One of the things that distinguish this service from VirusTotal is that it places a lot of emphasis on user privacy. Its data store is secured by complex encryption and it does not share customer data with third-party entities.
Users can opt to use this service via cloud technology or have it deployed on a local system. ReversingLabs TitaniumCloud features over 50 APIs and feeds making it one of the most versatile solutions for threat detection.
It also supports advanced searches and targeted queries on large sample datasets. The system is updated regularly to ensure that no emerging threat goes undetected.
10. Joe Sandbox
Joe Sandbox is another tool you can use to analyze and detect potential threats within files or URLs. It is different from VirusTotal in design because it allows users to choose the infrastructure within which each test can take place.
For instance, before you run any test, you can specify that you want it to utilize its built-in Android infrastructure. Of course, you get to choose from different options including Android, iOS, Windows, Linux, and macOS infrastructures.
One of the best things about using this particular solution is that it runs deep analysis on every file or URL you input into the system. This means every aspect of the URL or file is put under close scrutiny to ascertain that it cannot cause any harm to your device or network.
You’ll be pleased to know that Joe Sandbox is a multi-technology tool. This makes it one of the most popular solutions to guard against threats.
Its design includes instrumentation, hardware virtualization, hybrid, graph-static, simulation, and dynamic builds.
It is an online-based solution meaning you can only use it when you are connected to the internet. You can choose to activate its live interaction feature so that you get updates in real time.
The tool is available in two versions with the first being the Basic option which is free but offers limited features and functions. To unlock the full potential of this tool, you’ll need to subscribe to the Professional version.
11. PPEE (puppy)
Another tool you can use for virus and malware detection is PPEE (puppy). Unlike other options on this list including VirusTotal, it is designed to be quite small in size.
That is why it is even portable. That means you can use it directly from a flash disk without prior installation. It is a good solution for anyone that wants to run an analysis on a malformed or crafted PE file.
With this tool, users can analyze things such as URLs and registries. The tool can detect any suspicious behavior and record it accordingly. It also allows users to easily edit most data structures.
It is available for free download and use.
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12. Download Virus Checker
Another helpful tool to consider when thinking of keeping your systems and networks safe is Download Virus Checker. This particular tool differs from VirusTotal because it is a web extension.
Compatible with different web browsers, once installed in your browser, this tool automatically scans every file you download.
It utilizes over 68 online antivirus solutions to ensure that every file that lands on your device is safe. Note that this extension does not require any form of configuration so you can simply install it and let it do its work.
Additionally, you don’t have to press anything to activate it. It simply starts working once you have installed it. The tool works in the background meaning you won’t even realize it’s there.
The only time you will notice it is when a file that is downloading has suspicious properties. Another thing to know is that it does not stop your downloads.
Instead, it only alerts you to the possibility of a file being harmful.
13. Dr. Web
Dr. Web is one of the easiest tools to use when thinking of keeping your networks and systems safe from attacks emanating from different files or URL links. It has a simple interface with a section for you to upload any file on your device.
Once you upload a file and hit the scan button, it will quickly analyze the file and give a report on the findings. It does not give a lot of details regarding the scan but only offers you the simple truth of whether the file is clean or harmful.
This is a good alternative to VirusTotal, especially for users who simply want to know whether the file they have received is safe or not. It is available as an online-based solution but also has a mobile app version for Android and iOS devices.
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14. CatchPulse
CatchPulse offers personalized malware protection to ensure that your devices and networks are always safe.
The software is available in two versions with one being the free offering that has limited features and functions. Its second option requires a monthly subscription but is both affordable and offers a more robust infrastructure for the protection of your devices and network.
With this tool, you can run checks on files against 10+ antivirus solutions. All this takes place in the cloud.
Unlike VirusTotal, CatchPulse continues to offer you protection when you are offline even though its features and functions are limited in this mode.
Also Read: Best CleanMyMac Alternatives
15. IObit Cloud
IObit Cloud is one of the most advanced automated threat analysis systems available today. Its cloud-based infrastructure takes away the need for users to have to download and install any app or software on their devices.
It utilizes a heuristic analyzing mechanical technology to ensure that all the files that are uploaded into the system undergo a thorough process of scanning.
Some of the things that can be detected by this tool include trojans, adware, keyloggers, bots, worms, and spyware.
IObit Cloud boasts a simple interface with a section for you to upload your files and have them scanned within a few seconds. The system then generates a report based on the findings of each scan.
It is a fully-automated antivirus and malware system meaning you do not have to take any further action once you initiate the process of scanning.
Also Read: IObit Uninstaller vs CCleaner
Summing Up
The use of antivirus software on your system or network is always a good idea. However, it is not always as effective as you may want it to be.
That is why taking advantage of additional threat detection tools can be a prudent way for you to ensure complete safety and security for your devices and network.
Alternatives to VirusTotal such as MetaDefender Cloud and Hybrid Analysis are packed with powerful features to prevent cyberattacks and other complications that may otherwise end up frustrating you.
