Website: https://www.eicar.org/?page_id=3950
The EICAR anti-malware test file is a harmless file that is used to test the effectiveness of anti-malware software. It was created by the European Institute for Computer Antivirus Research (EICAR) in the 1990s as a standard way to test anti-virus software without using real malware.
The file contains a string of characters that, when executed, will trigger a response from most anti-virus software. The string of characters is not malicious, but it is designed to mimic the behavior of a real virus, allowing anti-virus software to detect it and take appropriate action.
The EICAR test file can be used to test the effectiveness of anti-virus software on a regular basis, ensuring that the software is up-to-date and providing adequate protection against malicious threats. It is also often used in educational settings to teach students about the behavior of viruses and how anti-virus software works.
It is important to note that while the EICAR test file is harmless, it should not be used for malicious purposes or to test anti-virus software on systems without proper authorization.