VirusTotal and Mandiant
VirusTotal and Mandiant, both part of the Google Cloud ecosystem, work together to deliver a powerful, end-to-end cybersecurity solution. VirusTotal provides free, multi-engine scanning for files, URLs, and IP addresses, enabling quick detection of malware, phishing sites, and other threats. On the other hand, Mandiant specializes in incident response, threat intelligence, and advanced cyber investigations, known for uncovering high-profile attacks and tracking APT groups worldwide. By combining VirusTotal’s broad threat detection with Mandiant’s deep investigative expertise—enhanced by Google Cloud’s AI, analytics, and global infrastructure—organizations gain faster detection, richer threat insights, and stronger defense strategies to combat even the most sophisticated cyber threats.
What is VirusTotal?
VirusTotal is a free online cybersecurity service that allows you to scan and analyze files, URLs, and even entire websites to detect viruses, malware, and other security threats. It doesn’t just use one antivirus program it checks your file or link against 70+ antivirus engines and security tools at the same time, giving you a much more reliable result.
Think of it like a team of expert security guards working together to inspect your file or website. Even if one guard misses a threat, another will likely catch it.
It’s widely used by individuals, developers, and cybersecurity professionals to verify suspicious email attachments, VirusTotal and Mandiant downloaded files, or websites before opening them. And because VirusTotal is owned by Google, it benefits from strong infrastructure, speed, and integration with other security tools.
How to use VirusTotal?
1. Go to: virustotal.com
2. Choose:
File → Upload the file you want to check.
URL → Paste the link you want to check.
3. Scan: Click Confirm or Scan.
4. Read Results: See how many antivirus engines flagged it (e.g., “2/70”).
5. Decide:
0–1/70 → Usually safe.
2+ /70 → Suspicious or dangerous.
VirusTotal alternatives
While VirusTotal is one of the most popular online malware scanners, there are several other tools that can be used as alternatives, depending on your needs.
Some notable options include:
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MetaDefender Cloud – Similar to VirusTotal, it uses multiple antivirus engines to scan files, URLs, and IP addresses.
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Hybrid Analysis – Offers detailed behavioral reports for suspicious files and malware samples.
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Jotti’s Malware Scan – A simple multi-engine file scanner for quick checks.
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Kaspersky Threat Intelligence Portal – Lets you analyze files, hashes, and links using Kaspersky’s security database.
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Any.Run – An interactive malware analysis sandbox where you can see how suspicious files behave in real time.
These alternatives can be useful if you want different detection engines, more privacy controls, or specialized sandbox analysis that VirusTotal doesn’t provide in its free version.
Main Features of VirusTotal
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Multi-Engine Scanning
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VirusTotal checks files and URLs against 70+ antivirus engines at the same time, increasing the chances of detecting hidden threats.
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File Analysis
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Upload files up to 650 MB and get detailed reports on malware signatures, file hashes, and behavior analysis.
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URL Scanning
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Paste a website link or suspicious URL to instantly check for phishing, malware, or unsafe content.
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Integration with Security Tools
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Works seamlessly with other tools like Google Chronicle, Mandiant, and developer APIs, making it easy to include in professional security workflows.
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Is VirusTotal free?
Yes, VirusTotal is free for anyone to use.
You can upload files (up to 650 MB) or paste links, and it will scan them using dozens of antivirus engines at no cost. This free version is enough for most personal and small business needs.
However, VirusTotal also offers paid plans for professionals and companies who need extra features like API access, deeper reports, and faster scanning. and access to historical threat data for deeper investigations. It’s a great option for cybersecurity teams who work with large volumes of files and URLs every day.
What is Mandiant
Mandiant is a world-leading cybersecurity company known for its expertise in incident response, threat intelligence, and security consulting. Founded in 2004, Mandiant has built a reputation for helping organizations detect, investigate, and recover from cyberattacks quickly and effectively. VirusTotal and Mandiant
In 2022, Mandiant became part of Google Cloud, combining its deep investigative skills with Google’s powerful infrastructure and AI-driven security tools. Today, it plays a crucial role in protecting governments, enterprises, and critical infrastructure from sophisticated cyber threats, including nation-state attacks and large-scale ransomware campaigns.
Think of Mandiant as a cybersecurity SWAT team—ready to step in during a crisis, find the attackers, stop the damage, and strengthen defenses to prevent future breaches.
Mandiant services (incident response, threat intelligence)
Mandiant Services
Incident Response
Mandiant’s expert teams investigate and contain cyberattacks, helping organizations recover quickly while minimizing damage.
Threat Intelligence
Provides deep research on hackers, malware, and attack techniques so businesses can stay one step ahead of threats.
Security Assessments
Conducts penetration testing, vulnerability scanning, and security audits to strengthen defenses before attacks happen.
Training & Preparedness
Teaches in-house teams how to detect, respond to, and prevent cyber threats effectively.
Mandiant History & Google Cloud Acquisition
Founded: 2004 by Kevin Mandia.
Key Milestone: Gained global recognition after investigating major breaches, including the 2013 Target hack.
Acquisition: In March 2022, Google Cloud acquired Mandiant for $5.4 billion, integrating it with Google’s AI-powered security tools like Google Chronicle.
Impact: This partnership combines Mandiant’s threat intelligence expertise with Google’s global infrastructure, making advanced security more accessible.
Why Use Mandiant for Cybersecurity?
Proven track record in handling high-profile attacks.
Access to real-time threat intelligence.
Global reach with experts in multiple regions and industries.
Integration with Google Cloud and Chronicle for faster, AI-driven detection and response.
Helps prevent, detect, and recover from attacks with minimal downtime.
Mandiant official logo + Google Cloud.
Here is a clean visual representation featuring the Mandiant logo alongside the Google Cloud logo, symbolizing their integration since the acquisition. This image is perfect for showcasing their partnership on your webpage.
Mandiant Joins Google Cloud
In 2022, Google Cloud officially acquired Mandiant, a leading cybersecurity company known for its world-class incident response, threat intelligence, and security consulting services
What it means for users:
Whether you are a small business or a large enterprise, the integration of Mandiant into Google Cloud offers stronger, more scalable, and more proactive cybersecurity solutions.