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 in Symantec/Norton AntiVirus (SAV/NAV CE), for
example, 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, SAV/NAV may detect either EICAR Test String or EICAR Test String 70. These are not viruses; SAV/NAV 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/Norton AntiVirus software (available to IU students, faculty, and staff for free via IUware) for your operating system, being sure to upgrade safely (see In Windows, how do I safely upgrade to the latest Symantec Endpoint or AntiVirus software?) and to update your virus definitions daily and scan your computer weekly. For instructions, see:
- Windows: In Symantec/Norton AntiVirus for Windows, how do I schedule automatic LiveUpdates and virus scans?
- Mac OS and OS X: In Symantec AntiVirus for Mac OS X, how do I schedule automatic LiveUpdates and virus scans?
Last modified on November 14, 2008.
