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Logo of URLScan.io, a web security tool that scans and analyzes URLs to detect malicious or suspicious online behavior.

URLScan.io is a free online service that analyzes websites by browsing them like a regular user. It records all the activity generated by the page navigation, making it incredibly useful for security analysis and threat hunting. More than just a simple website snapshot, URLScan.io gathers a comprehensive set of data points, allowing security professionals to quickly assess the safety and trustworthiness of URLs. It identifies potential phishing or malicious activity by comparing the scanned site against a database of over 900 tracked brands. This allows security teams to proactively defend against emerging threats. You can read more about URLScan.io on their about page.

Key Features

  • Automated Website Scanning: Quickly and easily analyze websites without manual intervention.

  • Comprehensive Data Collection: Captures domains, IPs, resources, screenshots, DOM content, JavaScript variables, and cookies.

  • Threat Intelligence: Identifies potential phishing and malware distribution attempts.

  • API Access: Programmatic access to all features, enabling integration with other security tools and workflows. For more details, refer to the API documentation.

  • Phishing URL Feed (Pro): Real-time feed of newly detected phishing URLs targeting specific brands.

  • SOAR Integration (Pro): Seamless integration with leading Security Orchestration, Automation, and Response platforms.

  • Live Scanning (Pro): Ability to scan websites from different geographic locations and with custom browser settings.

  • Visual Search (Pro): Skim through results using intuitive visual attributes.

  • Search Capabilities: Search urlscan.io's database for previous scans based on various criteria

Use Cases or Applications

URLScan.io has various applications, catering to different security needs:

  • Threat Intelligence: Identifying phishing sites, malware distribution points, and other malicious activities by analyzing website behavior and associated network traffic.

  • Security Research: Analyzing website behavior to identify vulnerabilities, tracking code changes, and understanding how websites interact with user data.

  • Incident Response: Understanding the scope and impact of a potentially compromised website by examining its network connections, resource requests, and content.

  • Brand Protection: Monitoring for brand impersonation and phishing attacks targeting specific brands. The phishing URL feed is invaluable for proactive brand protection.

  • Vulnerability Scanning: Identifying potential security weaknesses in web applications by analyzing their responses to various inputs and requests.

  • SOAR integration: Automate the process of scanning and analyzing URLs directly from the SOAR Platform. Integration with Microsoft Security Copilot.

What is Unique About URLScan.io?

URLScan.io stands out due to its focus on providing actionable insights for security analysts. The platform is built with an "analyst-first" approach, ensuring that the collected data is presented in a digestible and contextualized manner. This, combined with a powerful API for automation and a real-time phishing URL feed, makes URLScan.io a unique and valuable tool for security professionals. Furthermore, the ability to scan from different geographic locations is beneficial for detecting geo-fencing and region-specific threats. You can also perform a URL scan. Check more in this external resource about urlscan.io

Who Should Use URLScan.io?

  • Security Analysts: For threat hunting, incident response, and malware analysis.

  • Security Researchers: For investigating website behavior and identifying vulnerabilities.

  • Incident Responders: For quickly assessing the scope and impact of security incidents.

  • Brand Protection Teams: For monitoring and mitigating phishing attacks targeting their brand.

  • SOAR Engineers: For automating threat intelligence enrichment and incident response workflows.

  • Anyone needing to assess whether a URL is safe to visit. Check the threat intelligence tools.

Supported Platforms & Installation

URLScan.io is a cloud-based service, so there's no installation required. Simply visit the website and start scanning URLs. For programmatic access, you'll need to obtain an API key after creating an account. Detailed information on how to generate and use the API key is available on the URLScan.io website and in their API documentation. Integration with Microsoft Security Copilot requires an API key that you must generate in your account and then configure into the plugin.

Pricing

URLScan.io offers a free tier with generous usage limits, making it accessible to everyone. For more intensive users, commercial plans (urlscan Pro) are available with additional features, higher API limits, and dedicated support. These tiers are tailored to different user requirements, and custom plans are available for organizations with specific needs. A 30-day free trial of urlscan Pro is offered. Check the official pricing information. You can also learn about urlscan pro pricing.

Short Summary

URLScan.io is a powerful and versatile tool for automated website analysis. Its comprehensive data collection, analyst-first design, API accessibility, and phishing URL feed make it an invaluable asset for security professionals. Whether you're a security analyst, researcher, or incident responder, URLScan.io can help you quickly and confidently assess the safety and trustworthiness of websites, ultimately strengthening your organization's security posture. Its free tier makes it accessible to all, while its commercial options provide advanced features for power users.

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