Google Acquires Malware and Virus Detection Service VirusTotal
Malware scanner VirusTotal announced today that it's been purchased by Google for an undisclosed sum. Apparently Google's been a long-time partner of the online scanning service, and now the two have tied the knot in antivirus matrimony.
If you've never used VirusTotal before, go ahead and bookmark the website. VirusTotal is an awesome (and free!) resource that checks files for viruses, but the differentiating feature here is that it taps into 44 different antivirus scan engines. The only caveat is that files you upload can't be larger than 32MB, though perhaps that will change if Google decides to flex its vast resources.
"VirusTotal will continue to operate independently, maintaining our partnerships with other antivirus companies and security experts," VirusTotal stated in a blog post. "This is an exciting step forward. Google has a long track record working to keep people safe online and we look forward to fighting the good fight together with them."
With Google now in charge, VirusTotal says you can expect two things. First, the quality and power of the service's malware research tools will improve at a faster rate. And secondly, Google's infrastructure will ensure that VirusTotal is "always ready."
If you've never used VirusTotal before, go ahead and bookmark the website. VirusTotal is an awesome (and free!) resource that checks files for viruses, but the differentiating feature here is that it taps into 44 different antivirus scan engines. The only caveat is that files you upload can't be larger than 32MB, though perhaps that will change if Google decides to flex its vast resources.
"VirusTotal will continue to operate independently, maintaining our partnerships with other antivirus companies and security experts," VirusTotal stated in a blog post. "This is an exciting step forward. Google has a long track record working to keep people safe online and we look forward to fighting the good fight together with them."
With Google now in charge, VirusTotal says you can expect two things. First, the quality and power of the service's malware research tools will improve at a faster rate. And secondly, Google's infrastructure will ensure that VirusTotal is "always ready."
