You installed an
antivirus, commercial or not, and you would like
to know is he well configured, that he is active and that you are
well protected. It is not recommended playing with fire and
visiting dangerous websites to check can your antivirus detect any
kind of virus. You would indeed be likely to expose your computer
at the very important risk which can go until the compromising of
your computer and the loss of data.
To test your antivirus in full safety, you can
use the file of Eicar test. This file is detected
as a virus by the antiviruses but it is not one, it does not
contain any viral code. If the false virus is detected, it is that
your antivirus is active and protects you.
1. To create this false virus, you need simply to create a file
inside Windows. Click on the Start button, All Programs,
Accessories then on Notepad.
2. Then recopy the following character string in the
Notepad:
X5O!P%@AP[4\PZX54(P^)7CC)7}$EICAR-STANDARD-ANTIVIRUS-TEST-FILE!$H+H*
Type above
line of text within Notepad
3. Then save the file while clicking on File then Save as.
4. Unroll the “Save as type” list then select the option All
files.
5. Add the name of file eicar.com in the zone File name. Choose
the location where you want to save it (on Desktop) and then click
on Save button.
6. If your antivirus is correctly activated, it must then alert
you instantaneously presence of the Eicar virus.
Norton Internet Security did
recognize Eicar virus immediately after I clicked on Save
button
If your antivirus does not see anything, than you have a
problem. It could be because of two reasons: permanent protection
is badly configured or there were some problems during antivirus
installation. Then you have to read documentation of your software
to correct this problem.
If the false virus is still not detected, you must then
seriously think of changing anti-virus software.
Source:
softwaretipspalace.com
