Free File Malware Scanner

Why You Should Scan Files Before Opening Them

Every file you download from the internet, receive via email, or transfer from an external drive is a potential vector for malware. Cybercriminals disguise malicious code inside seemingly innocent files, a PDF invoice, a Word document with a job offer, a ZIP file containing software, or an executable pretending to be a game or utility.

Modern malware is designed to execute the moment you open an infected file. By the time you realize something is wrong, ransomware may have already begun encrypting your files, a keylogger may be recording your passwords, or spyware may have silently connected your device to an attacker's server. ScanTotal checks any file you upload against known malware databases before you open it, it takes seconds.

What File Types Can Be Scanned?

ScanTotal accepts any file type up to 50MB. The most commonly scanned files include:

• Executables (.exe, .msi, .dmg): Software installers downloaded from the internet are one of the highest-risk file types. Always scan before installing, even if the source seems legitimate.
• Office documents (.docx, .xlsx, .pptx): Office files can contain macros, small programs embedded in the document. Malicious macros are a common delivery mechanism for ransomware.
• PDF files: PDFs can contain embedded JavaScript and exploits targeting PDF reader vulnerabilities. Fake invoices and shipping notifications are commonly used in phishing campaigns.
• Archive files (.zip, .rar, .7z): Archives frequently pack multiple malicious files together, or hide executables that would otherwise be flagged by email filters.
• Email files (.eml, .msg): These receive special treatment, full phishing analysis including sender authentication checks (SPF, DKIM, DMARC), link scanning, and social engineering detection.
• Script files (.js, .vbs, .ps1, .bat): Script files can execute system commands directly and are often delivered as email attachments or hidden inside archives.

How the File Scanner Works

File hash computation. We calculate a cryptographic hash (a unique digital fingerprint) of your file. This hash uniquely identifies the file's contents without retaining the file itself. Your actual file content is never stored or shared.

Threat database lookup. The file hash is checked against known malware databases. If it matches a known malicious file, the scanner returns an immediate threat detection with details about the malware family and severity.

Enhanced analysis for email files. If you upload an .eml or .msg file, we parse email headers to check authentication records, extract and scan all URLs in the body, flag suspicious attachments, and identify social engineering patterns such as urgency, impersonation, and fake verification requests.

Results returned instantly. You receive a clear verdict with specific findings. If a threat is detected, we describe what type of malware was found and recommend appropriate next steps.

Common Malware Types Detected

• Ransomware: Encrypts your files and demands payment to restore access. Notable families include LockBit, REvil, Conti, and WannaCry.
• Trojans: Disguise themselves as legitimate software while secretly opening backdoors, stealing credentials, or downloading additional malware.
• Spyware and keyloggers: Record your keystrokes, capture screenshots, and monitor activity, sending collected data to an attacker to steal passwords and banking details.
• Adware: Bombards your system with unwanted advertising and in more aggressive forms redirects your browser to dangerous sites.
• Worms: Self-replicating malware that spreads automatically across networks without requiring user interaction.
• Rootkits: Hide deep in your operating system, concealing the presence of other malware, among the most dangerous because they evade detection.

Your Privacy Is Protected

• We never store your uploaded files, files are analyzed in memory and immediately discarded after scanning.
• Only the cryptographic hash, not the file content, is used to check threat databases. The hash cannot be used to reconstruct your file.
• We do not require an account, email address, or any personal information.
• We do not log or track your scanning activity.

You can safely scan sensitive documents, work files, and personal files with confidence that your data is not being retained or shared.