VirusTotal, the collaborative malware analysis platform, has announced a major update to simplify access and reward contributors.
The changes aim to make the platform easier to use for individual researchers while ensuring engine partners receive priority support and advanced features.
VirusTotal will offer streamlined pricing tiers and a dedicated Contributor Tier to recognize and empower those who help keep the service robust.
Streamlined Pricing for All Users
The new pricing structure features four clear tiers designed to suit different needs. The Community Tier remains free for individual researchers, educators, and academics.
Users in this tier continue to enjoy file scanning, URL scanning, access to the public API, and community features without cost.
For small teams, startups, and non-commercial MSSPs, the Lite Tier now provides advanced search, YARA rule hunting, private API access, and the ability to download files directly.
Pricing for Lite starts at five thousand dollars per year for low-volume API usage. This simple pricing model replaces confusing options and brings transparency to all users.
A brand new Contributor Tier honors VirusTotal’s engine partners who submit detection engines and rules.
Contributors gain free access to blindspot feeds, discounts based on their contribution levels, and early access to upcoming features.
This tier is free upon acceptance into the program and ensures partners have a reliable, long-term framework for collaboration.
By rewarding those who enrich the detection ecosystem, VirusTotal strengthens its open model and sustains its community-driven defense approach.
Large organizations with extensive threat intelligence needs can opt for the Duet Tier. Duet offers the complete feature set, including the highest API quotas and premium community intelligence.
Pricing is customized based on the number of affiliates covered and the level of contribution to the platform. This approach guarantees that enterprise customers receive tailored support and can scale their usage as their security programs grow.
VirusTotal’s founder, Bernardo Quintero, emphasized the importance of openness and collaboration.
He reaffirmed the platform’s 2016 commitment to a healthy community, noting that security vendors who do not contribute detections are no longer included by default.
Instead, any organization can apply to become a contributor and help protect the public good.
As VirusTotal evolves under the Google Threat Intelligence umbrella, the core mission remains unchanged: to provide a transparent, community-powered foundation for threat analysis.
With these updates, VirusTotal balances simplicity for everyday users and robust support for its engine partners and enterprise customers.
The renewed focus on collaboration and accessibility ensures that the platform continues to unite the security community in the fight against malware.
VirusTotal invites researchers, developers, and vendors alike to join the next chapter of shared defense.
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