How can I test my automatic virus protection?

To see if your antivirus software has basic functionality, you can use the EICAR test files. The eicar.com file tests virus scanning of unzipped files, eicar.zip tests scanning of zipped files, and eicar2.zip tests scanning of double-zipped files. If you have realtime protection enabled and you want to confirm that it's working, download the EICAR test files from either RexSwain.com or the EICAR site.

The files available at these sites are programs for testing virus protection software. These tests are not viruses and will not infect your computer.

After installing the programs, your antivirus software may detect either EICAR Test String or EICAR Test String 70. These are not viruses; the antivirus software is simply detecting the program. If it detects the program, you can be assured that realtime protection is functioning correctly.

Note: The University Information Security Office (UISO) recommends that you run the latest version of Symantec virus protection software (available to IU students, faculty, and staff free of charge via IUware) for your operating system. Be sure to upgrade safely, update your virus definitions daily, and scan your computer weekly. See In Windows, how do I safely upgrade to the latest Symantec Endpoint or AntiVirus software?

See:

• Windows: In Symantec/Norton AntiVirus for Windows, how do I schedule automatic LiveUpdates and virus scans?
• Mac OS X: In Symantec Endpoint Protection for Mac OS X, how do I schedule automatic LiveUpdates and virus scans?

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