When you need a second opinion about a file that you think is malware, then online Malware scanners come in handy. And it is even better if the online scanner uses multiple antiviruses to scan a file. Here is a list of some of the best free online Malware scanners for Windows PC – some use a single engine, whereas others use multiple antivirus scan engines. They will help you scan your entire computer or select files for viruses.
Best Online Malware Scanners to scan a file
Most of these scanners will not ask you to install anything on your computer. You can upload the file on their website, and they will scan the file using API of different anti-malware services. Once the scan is completed, you will receive a report about it.
- ESET Online Malware Scanner
- FortiGuard Virus Scanner
- ScanThis
- Kaspersky
- Norton Security Scan
- Trend Micro HouseCall
If you are concerned about privacy, make sure to read about what happens to your files after the scan is complete. Most of the websites will submit them as samples to various anti-virus solutions.
1] ESET Online Malware Scanner
It can detect malware—viruses, spyware, adware, worms, trojans. If you do not want to install another antivirus, ESET lets you download a light version. You can use it to perform a one-time scan to remove malware and threats from your computer for free. You can choose to scan the full system, and perform a quick scan or custom scan.
2] FortiGuard Virus Scanner
Using this online service, you can choose to upload files manually to their website. Once uploaded, the service will then scan it using the FortiClient Antivirus. You will receive a confirmation on the provided email address containing the results of the scan. The company is part of the Cyber Threat Alliance, a not-for-profit organization, that shares real-time, high-quality cyber threat information.
If a file or virus has already been reported, the online scanner will automatically detect it.
3] ScanThis
ScanThis uses the open-source and industry-recognized Clam AV software. There are two ways to scan a file. You can either submit a link to the download file or manually upload the file. The former is useful if you want first to make sure the data is safe and then download it.
4] Kaspersky
Kaspersky has its antivirus databases and information from Kaspersky Security Network. When you upload a file, it will scan and notify you about known threats detected in the file and shows detailed information about each risk. You can upload multiple files by archiving them, but the size is limited to 50 MB. The online scanner will respond with the level of risk, which can be from dangerous to normal.
5] Norton Security Scan
You need to download the scanner, which then performs a scan of your computer. Once the scan is complete, it will display if there are existing viruses, worms, spyware, unwanted adware, or Trojans residing on your computer.
6] Trend Micro HouseCall
Trend Micro HouseCall is a free online virus scanner that can detect and fix viruses, worms, spyware, and other malicious threats for free.
Online malware scanners using multiple antivirus engines
The following free online malware scanners use multiple antivirus engines to give you best results:
- Jotti Malware Scanner
- Virus Total
- Meta Defender
- Scan URL
- No Distribute
- VirScan
1] Jotti Malware Scanner
At Jotti.org you can submit up to five files at the same time, and the size of the file can be 250MB per file. The files are then sent to multiple antivirus engines like Avast, F-Secure, Claim-AV, etc.
2] Virus Total
VirusTotal.com offers the analysis of suspicious files and URLs to detect types of malware, and also helps you with the hash of files. Once a file is uploaded, it uses 70 antivirus scanners and URL/domain blacklisting services to find if there is any malware.
3] Scan URL
If you want to check if a website serves malware, you can scan up to three sites with ScanURL. They will check if it was earlier reported for phishing, hosting malware/viruses, or poor reputation. The check is made with reputable 3rd-party services, such as Google Safe Browsing Diagnostic, PhishTank, and Web of Trust (WOT).
4] No Distribute
Any file you upload here on nodistribute.com, it goes through 35 anti-virus scanners. You can scan three files every day with it, and if you are concerned about privacy, the service is very strict about it, hence the name. The results of the scans are never distributed. If you like the privacy part, you can choose to purchase a scan key. It is probably the only service that talks about privacy so openly.
5] MetaDefender
Part of Opswat, the MetaDefender Cloud, allows you to submit data for analysis, which is then followed by a comprehensive report. It offers multiple engine scanning, supports zip files, Proactive DLP, Sandbox, Hash Lookup, CDR, and more.
The CDR part is an exciting way to find malware. It is called Content Disarm and Reconstruction, where all files are assumed malicious. The process then rebuilds each file, ensuring full usability with safe content. It is especially useful to find zero-day targeted attacks.
6] VirScan
VirScan is another free online scan service which scans for malware using different antivirus engines. It supports Rar/Zip decompression, but it must be less than 20 files. You can scan files and also upload files using their software.
There is one thing you should always remember when using any of these best online malware scanners using multiple antivirus engines. They are for getting a second opinion, and not act as a protection system for your Windows computer. If you are looking for complete protection, it is best to use Windows Security or buy a professional antivirus solution.
How do hackers install malware?
Hackers take advantage of social engineering to install malware on users’ computers. The most commonly used social engineering method by hackers is phishing. Phishing includes the practice of sending malicious emails that contain malicious links. When users click on such links and download software, they actually download and install malware on their systems.
What are three signs of malware?
If your computer has a malware infection, you will notice some signs. Your computer will slow down. You notice a bad performance of your system even while running lightweight applications. Your system will start showing annoying ads and popups. These popups contain messages like Congratulations! You won a prize. You will notice a mysterious loss of disk space. Some of your computer and browser settings will change automatically. In some cases, you may also see a message “Your administrator has blocked this application.” Such types of messages appear when malware changes Windows Registry.
Related read: Online URL Scanners to scan websites for malware, virus, phishing, etc.
I hope the list of online scanners is useful for you when you are suspicious about a file or a website.
