EICAR is the European Institute of Computer Anti-virus Research. EICAR, along with anti-virus vendors, developed a test file to assist users in testing their installations of anti-virus software. EICAR developed and implemented the an anti-virus test file that began as a combined effort by anti-virus vendors throughout the world to offer a standard by which customers can verify that their anti-virus program is properly installed and running.
To test that your virus protection is installed and running, download the test file from either of these two links: eicar.com (HTTP) or eicar.com (FTP). Another way to run the same test is to simply copy the text from the box below into its own text file, then save the file with the name EICAR.COM.
Here is the text to save as EICAR.COM:
Next, if your anti-virus program is not set to continually scan for attacks, start your anti-virus software and allow it to scan the directory that contains EICAR.COM. When your software scans this file, it should report finding the EICAR test file.
This file is NOT A VIRUS, it simply tells your virus program to give you an alert. If others will be using your computer, we recommend that you delete the file when you have finished testing your installation to avoid alarming unsuspecting users.
PLEASE NOTE: This does not mean that your anti-virus program is up to date, or that it will catch a real virus. It only means that it is installed and running.
If your anti-virus fails to find this file, or you have questions, contact us and we will gladly provide more information to assist you.
by Mark Aaron Murnahan
The threat of a virus attacking your computer is greater than ever before. Sadly, many people walk through the dark alleyways of the Internet, picking up bugs all the way.
Bugs, worms, virus, whatever you want to call them, they are parasites, and they are trouble! Just like the many names they carry, a computer virus can take on many forms, and execute many functions. They can act as a back door into your computer, allowing the virus author to go root around in your files, or worse, distribute illegal software directly from your hard drive. A "Sircam" virus can choose a file from your computer, completely at random, and distribute it to every email address you have stored on your system. This can be both humiliating, and potentially very costly. A "Magistrate" virus can infect every program in your computer and make a wreck of your whole system. The list goes on, and there are currently thousands of variations of virus just looking for a place to grow.
Just because you don't store "vital information" on your computer does not mean that you are safe from these costly and dangerous attacks. We hear it all the time, "but I just use it to surf around and email friends and family". Fine, then harbor a virus and see what you think of the FBI standing at your door when they find illegal materials being sent through your internet connection. Then let's ask what your friends think of it passing on through their system and doing the same to them.
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Virus Protection
We constantly find clients who do not have adequate virus protection. This happens in one of two ways: Either by not running a virus protection program at all, or by neglecting to update the virus protection software through the program vendor. Both of these mistakes are begging for trouble, but they are simple to avoid.
A virus can come from anywhere!
A common mistake is ignorance. Let's face it, you just don't know what you don't know. A virus can come from anywhere! Just because you don't open strange email, or files that you are uncertain of is like saying you will avoid the flu by not kissing strangers. This will not keep you safe!
We get thousands of email messages each day, so we are far more exposed to virus threats than the average user. A lot of potential virus threats come along with that mail, and most commonly from new clients who have not yet implemented our recommendations.
As a computer security provider, we have decided to not sell virus protection software. This decision is for the simple fact that if we were to sell a particular product, it may seem that we have something at stake, and thereby lessen the impact of our recommendations. That said, we would like to recommend Norton AntiVirus. There are many program vendors, but our experience has been that Norton is consistently the most up-to-date and reliable.
To be safe, we suggest that you either download from Symantec.com or visit Sam's Club, Best Buy, Office Depot, or another reputable retailer to purchase antivirus software. We often see illegal copies for sale at auction sites on the Web. Consider this: If the software is an illegal copy, what makes you think the seller is trustworthy enough to give you a "clean" copy without a back door to your computer?
Below is a review of Norton AntiVirus performed by CNet:
The good: Best defender against viruses in downloaded files and email; updates software and virus definitions automatically; affects system performance less than previous versions.
The bad: Doesn't protect against Internet-borne viruses as well as McAfee VirusScan; expensive.
The bottom line: AntiVirus keeps your PC safer from file- and email-borne viruses than any other utility, without sacrificing performance, making it our top choice. If you're on a budget, however, consider thriftier McAfee instead.
Norton AntiVirus protects your PC from worms and viruses better than any other app we reviewed. It catches and kills viruses and updates itself automatically. When running in the background, it takes a smaller toll on PC performance. Norton's not flawless, however; it doesn't handle Web-borne viruses, either in rogue code or in downloads as well as McAfee VirusScan, and it costs more than the competition. (If price is an issue, we recommend McAfee instead.) Nonetheless, it's still the best defense against viruses that lurk in files and email.
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