Classification

Category :

Clean - Not Malware

Type :

Other

Aliases :

EICAR, Eicar-test-file, Eicar_test_file

Summary

The EICAR Standard Anti-Virus Test file is a special 'dummy' file used to check and confirm the correct operation of security products.

Removal

Based on the settings of your F-Secure security product, it will either move the file to the quarantine where it cannot spread or cause harm, or remove it.

A False Positive is when a file is incorrectly detected as harmful, usually because its code or behavior resembles known harmful programs. A False Positive will usually be fixed in a subsequent database update without any action needed on your part. If you wish, you may also:

  • Check for the latest database updates

    First check if your F-Secure security program is using the latest updates, then try scanning the file again.

  • Submit a sample

    After checking, if you still believe the file is incorrectly detected, you can submit a sample of it for re-analysis.

    Note: If the file was moved to quarantine, you need to collect the file from quarantine before you can submit it.

  • Exclude a file from further scanning

    If you are certain that the file is safe and want to continue using it, you can exclude it from further scanning by the F-Secure security product.

    Note: You need administrative rights to change the settings.

Technical Details

EICAR is the European Institute of Computer Anti-virus Research ( https://www.eicar.org).

The EICAR Standard Anti-Malware Test file is a special 'dummy' file which is used to test the correct operation of malware detection scanners. When an EICAR test file is downloaded or scanned, ideally the scanner will detect it exactly as if it were a malicious program.

The EICAR test file is normally used to:

  • Confirm the security application is installed and functioning correctly
  • Observe the product's actions when a malicious program is found
  • Check internal procedures and reactions when a malicious program is found

Downloading an EICAR file

Users who would like to check the correct operation of their F-Secure security products can download the EICAR test file from the EICAR organization's website at: EICAR: Download Anti-Malware Test File.