---
title: VirusTotal Hunting
slug: authentication-guides/virustotal-hunting
docTags: 
createdAt: 2026-01-19T17:10:29.220Z
---

# Introduction

This guide tells you how to authenticate the VirusTotal Hunting connector in Swimlane using API Key Authentication.

You will obtain a VirusTotal API key (public or premium) and configure the connector asset in Swimlane.

## VirusTotal Access Requirements

You must have VirusTotal permissions to:

- Register a VirusTotal account
- Access your API key from the VirusTotal portal
- Request a premium API key (optional)

## Required Credentials

During setup, you will collect:

- URL
- API Key (x-apikey)

## Supported Version

This connector supports the VirusTotal Hunting API v3.

# VirusTotal Setup

## Public API Key

Take the following steps to obtain a public API key:

1. Register with the VirusTotal Community by going to the VirusTotal website and clicking **New? Join the community**.
2. Provide a name, email, username, and password. Once complete, click **Join us**.
3. An activation link will be sent to the email you provided. Click on the activation link to activate your **VirusTotal Community **membership.
4. Return to the VirusTotal homepage and click the blue message icon on the lower right-hand corner of the homepage to open the **VirusTotal Bot** window.
5. Click the option, **I have a feed of new files that I can upload, I want free API quota to do so.**
6. A window opens where you can create a message to VirusTotal. Complete the Subject and Email fields and then include a simple message stating why you need a free API Key.
7. Once VirusTotal reviews your message, you can sign into your account and find your public API in the corresponding menu item, API key, under your username.

![](https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/n8uUzk0MM4uC57-zlHNtY/DPZdniz7mFrgyg9ANuWCd_image.png)

## Premium API Key

Take the following steps to request a premium API key:

1. Login to your account. Click your username and then click **API key**.
2. Click **Request premium API key**.
3. Fill out the request prompt on this page. Required fields include **Company size**, **Company country**, and **Already paying customer?**.
4. Virus Total will respond to your request.

![](https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/n8uUzk0MM4uC57-zlHNtY/RK6mR_rqTy6L8P9klBM74_image.png)

# Asset Setup

The asset requires an API key to use. If your organization requires the use of a proxy, then that proxy can be used during the asset setup.

The Public API:

- is limited to 500 requests per day and a rate of 4 requests per minute
- must not be used in commercial products or services
- must not be used in business workflows that do not contribute new files

# Connector configuration in Swimlane

1. Log in to Turbine.
2. From the left-hand navigation pane, click **ORCHESTRATION** and click **Assets**.
   Asset homepage opens.
3. Click **plus** icon to open the **Configure your Connector Asset **window.
4. Select VirusTotal Hunting from the **Asset type** list.
5. Fill in the **Asset Settings **and **Asset Input** as shown:

| **Field**   | **Description**                                                 | **Required/Optional** |
| ----------- | --------------------------------------------------------------- | --------------------- |
| url         | A URL to the target host (VirusTotal Hunting API endpoint URL). | Required              |
| x-apikey    | API key provided by VirusTotal.                                 | Required              |
| verify\_ssl | Verify SSL certificate.                                         | Optional              |
| http\_proxy | A proxy to route requests through.                              | Optional              |

Fields with \* marks are required.

6. Click** Create**.

![](https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/n8uUzk0MM4uC57-zlHNtY/l0c5Lhb8P6K0X62uThoJ1_image.png)

# Troubleshooting

If you encounter an authentication error:

- Verify the API key is correct and active.
- Confirm the URL is correct for the VirusTotal Hunting API v3.
- If using the Public API, verify you have not exceeded rate limits.If required, configure http\_proxy and verify outbound connectivity.

You have successfully authenticated the VirusTotal Hunting Connector in Swimlane.