PhrozenSoft's Uploader Sends Files to VirusTotal Service in Batches

very good
key review info
application features
  • Uploads suspicious files in batches
  • (3 more, see all...)

Asking for a second opinion is always a good idea when scanning suspicious files. With more than 40 antivirus engines available, Google’s VirusTotal online service makes for a great choice for checking a file for viruses.

Submitting an item for verification can be done easily either through the online interface or via their own desktop client. Even if the latter can upload multiple files at once, the result for each of them is displayed in separate web pages in the default browser.

PhrozenSoft VirusTotal Uploader is a more elaborate solution. It offers a list with running processes, items that load at startup, services and active connections. Items in the lists can be selected and uploaded to the service for verification.

The application is free of charge. The installation process follows the standard procedure and does not promote any other software.

Looks are not impressive, but the interface is clean and easy to work with. All options are neatly organized and within easy reach.

There are three tabs in the main application screen, which show the total upload progress of the submitted files, the ones pending verification and the results of the processed data.

Adding files to the queue is just a matter of dropping them into the interface. However, the same can be achieved by dropping them in the floating widget that pops up immediately after installation.

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You can disable it from the configuration panel of the application, but it comes in handy if you’re constantly sending data to VirusTotal.

The upload process starts immediately, but the progress is shown only in the main window of the application.

Should any problems occur during the procedure, such as attempting to load files larger than the maximum supported by the service (currently VirusTotal can handle files up to 64MB), a notification pops up on the desktop.

Results were returned quite quickly during our evaluation, but the wait time depends strictly on the size of the file, connection speed and how busy the service is. During our tests we recorded no significant difference between sending and scanning files through VirusTotal interface and PhrozenSoft’s utility.

On the downside, there is no option to pause or terminate the upload process.

Although the detection rate is displayed in the interface and the results from all antivirus engines are available in a separate window, users can launch the scan link in the default web browser to view results on VirusTotal.

PhrozenSoft VirusTotal Uploader keeps an eye on active processes (currently running, starting with Windows, service and those using the network) and makes it easy to submit suspicious one to Google’s service. You can select as many in the list and send them to be checked.

At a first glance, the configuration panel for the application may seem a bit heavy, but once you get through the menus everything becomes clear.

Apart from setting the program to start with the operating system, a file scan option is added to Windows Explorer context menu, allowing quick submission to the online service.

The PhrozenSoft tool can be configured to open results in the browser automatically as well as to verify if a newer version of the program has been released.

The floating widget can be disabled altogether and there is also the possibility to lock it to its default position (above the system tray). If you have your own VirusTotal API, you can switch from the default one.

All scan results are saved by the application for future reference by default. The list of details preserved includes date and time for the operation, status, the link to VirusTotal’s result, location of the scanned file and the MD5 hash.

Although PhrozenSoft VirusTotal Uploader was not created for novices but rather experienced users that need to check multiple files on a regular basis it is easy to work with even for novices.

Just like the online service it relies on, it does not replace a fully-fledged security solution for your computer, which encompasses several layers of protection, including active monitoring of system activity.

However, it makes for a great tool for subjecting multiple suspicious files to verification of more than 40 scan engines, from leaders in the digital security industry such as Kaspersky, BitDefender, Avast, Avira, AVG, McAfee or Symantec.

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The Good

The installation procedure is standard and does not attempt to promote other software. The interface is simple and to the point, with options neatly organized and easy to reach.

All scan results are available in the application, but you are provided the links to VirusTotal’s page.

It lists all running processes, startup items, services and processes currently using the network, and allows you to submit each entry to verification.

The Bad

There is no control over the upload process. Once started you cannot terminate it. The floating widget has no other function than for dropping in the items you want to be scanned.

The Truth

PhrozenSoft VirusTotal Uploader is one of the most complete upload tools for Google’s service for analyzing suspicious files. It may not appeal to beginner users, but it makes for a valuable companion for those that need to frequently verify suspicious items.

user interface 4
features 5
ease of use 4
pricing / value 4


final rating 4
Editor's review
very good
 
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Photo Gallery (2 Images)

All results are displayed in the application, saves history of the scans
All results are displayed in the application, saves history of the scans