How to Submit Virus or Malware Samples to McAfee Labs

You may submit samples directly to McAfee Labs by attaching the file(s) in an email to virus_research@avertlabs.com. When submitting samples via email, you must archive them in a password-protected .zip file with the password “infected” (all lowercase). For instructions on how to create a .zip file and password protect it, read this article.

Submission Information

To help us speed the sample review process, please provide the following information along with your sample:

  • A list of all files contained in the sample submission, including a brief description of where or how you found them.
  • What symptoms cause you to suspect that the sample is malicious.
  • Whether any security products find a virus (tell us the security vendor, its product name, the version number, and the virus name assigned to the sample).
  • Your McAfee product information (product name, engine, and .DAT version).
  • Any system details that may be relevant, including operating system and service packs.

What Not to Submit

Please do not send screenshots, antivirus or HijackThis logs, or prefetch files. Send only the suspected malicious files.