EICAR test file

What is the EICAR test file?

The EICAR test file (EICAR Standard Anti-Virus Test File) is a test file defined by EICAR (European Institute for Computer Antivirus Research). It contains a fixed text string that almost all antivirus programs recognise as a test signature – without being real malware.

Developers and admins use it to verify that virus scanners respond correctly, email gateways block files, or security pipelines trigger alerts. dummyfiles.dev delivers the file via download from the website.

Features

Content: Official EICAR test string. Reported by AV software as a “detection”.

Purpose: Ensure antivirus and security components are working.

Download: Via web form or Use via the website.

Harmless: No executable code, only text. Safe for humans and systems.

Use cases

• Test antivirus software and detection logic
• Verify email gateways and attachment filters
• Confirm security pipelines and alerting
• Automated tests/pipelines: automated tests of AV integrations

Highlights

• Official EICAR test file
• No registration
• Use via the website
• Harmless, no real malware

FAQ

Is the EICAR test file dangerous?

No. It only contains a defined text string. No executable code. It is solely for testing antivirus software.

Why do virus scanners detect it?

AV vendors have deliberately added the EICAR signature to their databases so users can test detection.

How do I download the EICAR test file?

Homepage, “EICAR” tab: click “Create file”. Use the matching tab on the homepage. The file is offered for download immediately.

Is this suitable for automated tests?

The test file is always the same – ideal for repeatable security and scanner tests.

More generators

test file · placeholder file · download test file · free test file · test file generator · create large test file · generate large test file · dummy pdf download · test pdf download · random pdf · lorem ipsum pdf · pdf generator · sample jpg · png download · transparent png · sample webp · Image Test Files · dummy csv · csv generator · csv download · fake csv · CSV Test Files · api response generator · JSON Test Files · MP4 Test Files · dummy mp3 · test mp3 · placeholder text · sample text · eicar zip · eicar txt · antivirus test file · download virus for testing · placeholder document · 10gb file download · Document Test Files · Large Test Files · All Dummy Files · 100kb pdf · 250kb pdf · 500kb pdf · 5mb pdf · 10mb pdf · 250mb pdf · 1gb pdf · 2gb pdf · 5mb zip · 100mb zip · 500mb zip · 2gb zip · 3gb zip · 1mb mp4 · 100mb mp4 · 500mb mp4

← Back to homepage