Endpoint Detection & Response - Testing Malware Detection

The EICAR (European Institute for Computer Anti-Virus Research) test file can be used to test Kandji EDR to ensure it has been deployed correctly and working properly. The EICAR test file is a non-malicious file that can be safely downloaded on any Mac. For more information on the Anti-Malware Test File, please visit EICAR’s Anti-Malware Test File web page.

  • Ensure that the Avert Library Item has been successfully applied to the device by confirming that a green dot is visible next to the Avert Library Item located within the Status tab of a Device Record.

  1. Open Terminal.

  2. Run the following command to download the EICAR test file directly from EICAR onto your Desktop:

    curl "https://secure.eicar.org/eicar.com" -s -o ~/Desktop/eicar_test
    Bash
  1. Create a new empty text file using a text editor such as VS Code or Sublime Text.

  2. Copy and paste the following two lines to the text file:

    #!X5O!P%@AP[4\PZX54(P^)7CC)7}$EICAR-STANDARD-ANTIVIRUS-TEST-FILE!$H+H*
    Bash
  3. Save the text file to the Desktop on your Mac and name the file eicar_test

The 68-character string in step #2 is the string that is in EICAR's test file.

Kandji EDR will detect the EICAR test file and report it with a status of ‘Not quarantined’ in the Threats module located in the left-hand navigation bar and the Threats tab of a Device Record.

Kandji EDR will detect and automatically quarantine the EICAR test file within seconds of adding the executable bit to the file and will be reported with a status of ‘Quarantined’ in the Threats module located in the left-hand navigation bar and in the Threats tab of a Device Record.