VirusTotal
APIFree API for file and URL malware threat analysis
Overview
The VirusTotal Public API enables programmatic scanning and analysis of files, URLs, IP addresses, and domains for malware threats. Key endpoints include submission of files/URLs for scanning, retrieval of analysis reports, and reputation checks for IPs/domains. Responses are in JSON format. Use cases include integrating malware detection into security tools, automating threat intelligence workflows, verifying file safety before downloads, and monitoring suspicious URLs for phishing or malware. It requires an API key and has rate limits for free usage.
Example Integration (JavaScript)
fetch('https://www.virustotal.com/en/documentation/public-api/')
.then(res => res.json())
.then(data => console.log(data))
.catch(err => console.error(err)); Key Features
- RESTful architecture
- JSON response format
- File/URL/IP/Domain analysis
- Report retrieval
- Free tier access
Frequently Asked Questions
? Is VirusTotal API free to use?
Yes, the public API offers a free tier with rate limits; paid tiers are available for higher usage volumes and additional features.
? Does it require an API Key?
Yes, you need to register for a free API key on the VirusTotal website to access the public API.
? What is the response format?
All responses from the VirusTotal API are in JSON format, which is easy to parse and integrate into applications.
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Tool Info
Pros
- ⊕ Comprehensive threat data from 70+ engines
- ⊕ Easy integration
- ⊕ Supports multiple data types
- ⊕ Free basic usage
Cons
- ⊖ Strict rate limits on free tier
- ⊖ No SLA for free users
- ⊖ File size restrictions in free tier
- ⊖ Paid tiers required for high volume