Free · Private · File never leaves your device · Instant

Free File Scanner
Check Any File for Malware

Scan any file before opening it. Our privacy-first file scanner checks your file against threat intelligence databases — your actual file never uploads anywhere.

Scan a File Free

No upload · No sign-up · No file size limits

Your file never leaves your device — guaranteed

Other file scanners upload your files to remote servers. SafeSearchScan is different. We compute a SHA-256 fingerprint (a unique 64-character code) in your browser, then check only that fingerprint against threat databases. Your documents, photos, and personal files stay completely private.

6 Types of Malware Our File Scanner Detects

Checked against MalwareBazaar and HybridAnalysis behavioral sandbox databases

Ransomware

Encrypts all your files and demands payment. WannaCry, LockBit, REvil. Often arrives as an email attachment or fake software update.

Trojans

Looks like legitimate software (a game, tool, or codec) but secretly installs a backdoor or steals data in the background.

Keyloggers

Records every keystroke — passwords, credit card numbers, private messages. Invisible when running.

Spyware

Monitors your activity, takes screenshots, accesses your webcam or microphone, and sends data to attackers.

Adware

Hijacks your browser, injects ads, redirects searches, and slows your device. Often bundled with free software.

Exploit documents

PDFs or Office files that exploit software vulnerabilities to execute malicious code when opened. Very common in targeted attacks.

File Types You Should Always Scan

These formats are most commonly weaponised by attackers

.exe / .msi

Critical risk

Windows executables and installers — most common malware delivery method

.dmg / .pkg

Critical risk

macOS installer formats — increasingly targeted by malware authors

.zip / .rar / .7z

High risk

Archives often used to bypass email scanners. Always check contents before opening

.pdf

High risk

PDFs can contain embedded scripts and exploit reader vulnerabilities

.docm / .xlsm

High risk

Office files with macros — the format most used in business email compromise

.bat / .ps1 / .vbs

Critical risk

Script files that execute commands directly on your system

How the File Scanner Works

1

Select your file

Drag and drop any file onto the scanner, or click to browse. Works with any file type — executables, documents, archives, scripts, images.

2

Fingerprint computed in your browser

We generate a SHA-256 hash of your file entirely in your browser using the Web Crypto API. This happens locally — nothing is sent to a server at this stage.

3

Hash checked against threat databases

The SHA-256 fingerprint is checked against MalwareBazaar (active malware campaigns) and HybridAnalysis (behavioral sandbox reports). If your file's fingerprint matches a known threat, you get an instant alert.

4

AI-powered plain-English report

If a threat is found, our AI generates a plain-English explanation of what the malware does, what data it targets, and what steps to take next.

File Scanner — Common Questions

How does the free file scanner work?

SafeSearchScan's file scanner uses hash-based analysis. When you select a file, we compute its SHA-256 fingerprint entirely in your browser — the actual file never leaves your device. We then check that fingerprint against MalwareBazaar, HybridAnalysis, and other threat intelligence databases to see if it matches any known malicious file. If it matches, you get an instant danger warning. If it's clean, you can proceed safely.

Is the file scanner completely private?

Yes. Your actual file is never uploaded to our servers or any external service. We compute the SHA-256 hash (a unique fingerprint) in your browser and only send that hash for lookup. This means your documents, photos, and personal files remain 100% private — we never see their contents.

What types of malware can the file scanner detect?

Our file scanner can detect: ransomware (encrypts your files and demands payment), trojans (disguised as legitimate software but carries a malicious payload), spyware and keyloggers (secretly monitors your activity), adware (hijacks your browser), worms (self-replicating malware that spreads through networks), rootkits (hides deep in your operating system), and exploit documents (PDFs, Office files, or scripts that exploit software vulnerabilities).

What file types should I always scan before opening?

Always scan these high-risk file types: executable files (.exe, .msi, .dmg, .pkg), scripts (.bat, .ps1, .vbs, .js), Office documents with macros (.docm, .xlsm), compressed archives (.zip, .rar, .7z) — malware often hides inside, PDF files from unknown senders, and any file downloaded from an unofficial or unfamiliar source. Email attachments from unknown senders should always be scanned regardless of file type.

What if the file scanner says a file is clean — is it definitely safe?

Hash-based scanning is extremely accurate for known malware but cannot detect brand-new threats (zero-days) that have not yet been catalogued in threat databases. If a file was very recently created for a targeted attack, it may not yet be in the databases. For maximum protection, combine our file scanner with safe download habits: only download from official sources, avoid cracked software, and keep your operating system and applications updated.

Scan Any File — Free, Private, Instant

Never open a suspicious file without scanning it first. Our privacy-first file scanner takes 3 seconds and your file never leaves your device.

Scan a File Now — Free