This is NOT a virus... I repeat this is NOT a virus.
The AV industry has long since created a string which should be caught by all virus scanners.
You might have heard of this, it is called EICAR. In other words, if your AV product catches this FAKE virus, it should be working properly.
Instructions tio create the EICAR:
1. Make a new TXT file. (i.e. EICAR.TXT)
2. Paste this text into it:
X5O!P%@AP[4\PZX54(P^)7CC)7}$EICAR-STANDARD-ANTIVIRUS-TEST-FILE!$H+H*
3. Rename it into a COM (executable) file. (i.e. EICAR.COM)
4. Either run it (don't worry, it doesn't do anything) or tell your AV to scan it.
5. The AV should tell you that EICAR or a virus was found. If not, your AV is not working
properly.
SIDE NOTE: I know this is not anything near a real virus that you have requested... but try this first, becasue if this test does not pass, you have NO chance of fighting a real virus. Good luck.
