> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.hex-rays.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.hex-rays.com/add-ons/malware/concepts/multi-service-checker.md).

# Multi-service Checker

Before you start your own analysis, find out what is already known about the sample. The Multi-service Checker asks external services, such as VirusTotal, VMRay, and MalwareBazaar, if they know the sample. If a service knows it, you can quickly open its results and collect the existing analysis and background context.

The checker searches each service by the SHA-256 hash of the input file, so you get results before auto-analysis completes. If a service does not know the sample, you can upload it. By default, the checker asks for confirmation before each upload.

To open the panel, select **Extensions → Malware Analysis → Triage → Services Checker** or press <kbd>Shift</kbd> + <kbd>U</kbd>. The checker keeps the results in the IDB, so the next time you open the panel, it searches only the services that have no result yet. To search all services again, select **Reanalyse**.

The checker contacts a service only when you set the API key for that service. When the panel opens, it searches each service that has a key and no saved result. There is no separate search button. For all connections that the add-on makes, see [Network and Data Sharing](/add-ons/malware/network-and-data.md).

{% hint style="warning" %}
An upload shares the full sample with the service, and you cannot undo it. VirusTotal shares uploads with its subscribers, and MalwareBazaar makes them public. Do not upload samples from a confidential case.
{% endhint %}

To ask for a different service, or for a check against your internal sources, email <support@hex-rays.com>.

## Configuration

To change the settings, select **Malware Analysis → Triage → Configure Services Checker...**. The checker saves its results and errors in the IDB, so after you change a key, select **Reanalyse** to search again.

| Setting             | Default                      | Description                                                                                                                                                                              |
| ------------------- | ---------------------------- | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| `vt_api_key`        | empty                        | VirusTotal API key. If empty, the VirusTotal row shows "Not configured" and the checker does not search VirusTotal.                                                                      |
| `vmray_api_key`     | empty                        | VMRay API key. If empty, the VMRay row shows "Not configured".                                                                                                                           |
| `vmray_host`        | `https://eu.cloud.vmray.com` | URL of the VMRay server, including the scheme. Change this for a different VMRay cloud region or an on-premises server.                                                                  |
| `mb_api_key`        | empty                        | MalwareBazaar authentication key, from [abuse.ch](https://auth.abuse.ch/). MalwareBazaar needs the key for searches and uploads. If empty, the MalwareBazaar row shows "Not configured". |
| `mb_anonymous`      | `false`                      | If `true`, uploads to MalwareBazaar are anonymous. This setting has no effect on searches.                                                                                               |
| `run_at_startup`    | `false`                      | If `true`, the panel opens automatically the first time you open a database.                                                                                                             |
| `ask_before_upload` | `true`                       | If `true`, the checker asks for confirmation before each upload. If `false`, an upload starts immediately when you click **Upload**.                                                     |
| `network_timeout`   | `60`                         | Timeout in seconds for each search and upload request.                                                                                                                                   |

{% hint style="info" %}
The [automated unpacker](/add-ons/malware/concepts/automated-unpacking.md) has its own `vt_api_key`, `vmray_api_key`, and `vmray_host` settings. To use VirusTotal and VMRay in both features, set the keys in both.
{% endhint %}

If you have a question, an idea, or a problem, email <support@hex-rays.com>. The Malware Analysis team reads every message and replies quickly.


---

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