(EICAR-Test-File (not a virus), EICAR-Test-File, Virus:DOS/EICAR_Test_File, EICAR test file, EICAR test, Eicar_test_file, EICAR (v), EICAR_test_file, EICAR Test String, Eicar-Test-Signature, EICAR test file NOT a virus)

Virus description added: 2006-01-31

SHA1:

3395856ce81f2b7382dee72602f798b642f14140

EICAR Test File is not a malicious program but a special text file designed to test anti-virus programs’ response. At detecting this file, anti-virus scanners should react in exactly the same way as if it were a virus. The file allows users to test their anti-virus software without having to put their computer at risk of infection.

EICAR Test File is usually a text file in the ASCII format, containing the following line:

X5O!P%@AP[4\PZX54(P^)7CC)7}$EICAR-STANDARD-ANTIVIRUS-TEST-FILE!$H+H*

If such file appended with the .COM extension is launched on 32-bit operating system as an application, it prints the following message to the command-line console:

EICAR-STANDARD-ANTIVIRUS-TEST-FILE!

Then it returns control to the operating system. Yet, the .COM file cannot be launched on 64-bit Windows.

Curing recommendations

If the operating system (OS) can be loaded (either normally or in safe mode), download Dr.Web Security Space and run a full scan of your computer and removable media you use. More about Dr.Web Security Space.
If you cannot boot the OS, change the BIOS settings to boot your system from a CD or USB drive. Download the image of the emergency system repair disk Dr.Web® LiveDisk , mount it on a USB drive or burn it to a CD/DVD. After booting up with this media, run a full scan and cure all the detected threats.

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Use Dr.Web Anti-virus for macOS to run a full scan of your Mac.

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After booting up, run a full scan of all disk partitions with Dr.Web Anti-virus for Linux.

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If the mobile device is operating normally, download and install Dr.Web for Android. Run a full system scan and follow recommendations to neutralize the detected threats.
If the mobile device has been locked by Android.Locker ransomware (the message on the screen tells you that you have broken some law or demands a set ransom amount; or you will see some other announcement that prevents you from using the handheld normally), do the following:
- Load your smartphone or tablet in the safe mode (depending on the operating system version and specifications of the particular mobile device involved, this procedure can be performed in various ways; seek clarification from the user guide that was shipped with the device, or contact its manufacturer);
- Once you have activated safe mode, install the Dr.Web for Android onto the infected handheld and run a full scan of the system; follow the steps recommended for neutralizing the threats that have been detected;
- Switch off your device and turn it on as normal.