What is a virus test file?

A virus test file (also antivirus test file or virus scan test file) is a file that virus scanners detect as a potential threat – without containing real malware. It is used only to verify that antivirus software correctly detects and responds to known test signatures.

Why do antivirus programs detect it? AV vendors have deliberately added the signature to their databases. This lets admins and developers verify that the virus scanner is working without using real malware. The file is harmless to systems and users.

What is the EICAR test file?

The EICAR test file (EICAR Standard Anti-Virus Test File) is the established standard for such tests. It was defined by the European Institute for Computer Antivirus Research (EICAR) and contains a fixed 68-byte text string. Virtually all antivirus programs recognise this signature.

Why EICAR as the standard?

EICAR is platform-independent, documented, and consistently supported by AV vendors. It is suitable for testing virus scanners, upload filters, email gateways, and endpoint security – without the legal or technical risks of real malware.

How it is used

The file is downloaded or fetched via API and then, for example, saved to a folder, sent as an email attachment, or fed into a pipeline. If the scanner detects it and triggers the expected response (quarantine, alert), the antivirus integration is working as intended.

Typical use cases

• Test virus scanners: Verify that desktop or server antivirus detects and reports the test file.
• Verify upload filters: Upload the file via web forms or APIs – is it blocked or removed?
• Test email security: Send the virus test file as an attachment; check whether the gateway or filter responds.
• Verify endpoint security: Ensure endpoint agents and central AV solutions trigger alerts.
• Automated tests, pipelines and scripts: Use in pipelines to validate antivirus integrations in a repeatable way.

Feature highlights at dummyfiles.dev

• Multiple file extensions: Same EICAR content, available as .com, .txt, .exe, .pdf, .xls, or .doc – for realistic scenarios (e.g. “block .exe”).
• Instant download: No queue, no registration. One click or API call.
• No signup: No account or API key required.
• Simple to use: Web interface with extension choice and optional filename; API via GET with ext and filename parameters.

FAQ

Is the virus test file dangerous?

No. It only contains a defined text string (EICAR signature). No executable code, no real malware. It is solely for testing antivirus software.

What is the EICAR file?

The EICAR test file is a 68-byte test file defined by EICAR. Almost all virus scanners recognise it as a test signature. It is harmless and the standard for antivirus tests.

Why does my virus scanner detect the file?

AV vendors have deliberately added the EICAR signature to their detection databases. This lets you verify that the scanner responds correctly – without using real malware.

Can I download the file safely?

Yes. The file is harmless to users and systems. Your virus scanner may still report it or move it to quarantine; that is the expected behaviour when testing.

How do I test my antivirus?

Download the virus test file from dummyfiles.dev (or call the API). Save it to disk or send it by email. If your virus scanner detects and reports the file, detection is working.

What file extensions are available?

At dummyfiles.dev you can choose .com, .txt, .exe, .pdf, .xls, and .doc. The content is always the EICAR signature; only the extension changes – useful for testing filter rules.

Do I need an account?

No. Download and API work without signup.

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