VirusTotal

VirusTotal is a free online service that specializes in analyzing computer files and URLs with the purpose of detecting malware and other forms of malicious content. The service was founded in 2004 by Yeray Marrero and Gonzalo Martinez, and it is currently owned by Google.

The core functionality of VirusTotal is to submit files or URLs to a comprehensive database of antivirus engines for analysis. The service currently supports over 70 antivirus engines, including commercial and open-source products from major software firms. The analysis results are then aggregated and presented to the user, providing a comprehensive picture of the file's or URL's safety status.

In addition to its core functionality, VirusTotal also offers a range of related features, such as threat analytics, sandbox analysis, and virus intelligence. The service uses advanced algorithms to analyze the behavior of malware samples and to identify potential attack vectors. Users can also submit unidentified files or URLs for analysis and receive feedback on their safety status.

VirusTotal has gained widespread recognition and acceptance in the security community for its accuracy and comprehensive analysis capabilities. It is widely used by cybersecurity professionals, researchers, and security firms to identify and analyze potential malware threats. The service is free for personal use, but requires a subscription or trial account for access to more extensive features and analysis capabilities.

In 2012, VirusTotal was acquired by Google and has since been operated as a subsidiary of the company. The service continues to evolve and improve its capabilities, with ongoing developments in artificial intelligence, machine learning, and cloud computing infrastructure.