Analyzing Possible Malware

Libraries: If you want this lab, consider one of these libraries.
Cloud
Security

Analyzing Possible Malware

In this lab exercise, we will take a look at how to use only tools to analyze a file to see if it has malware. We'll also use `md5sum` to generate the MD5 hash of a file and submit the hash to the online resources as a second means of testing a suspicious file.

Get started Contact sales

Lab Info

Level

Beginner

Last updated

Sep 21, 2025

Duration

30m

Challenge

Download the suspicious file to your Downloads directory.
1. Use a web browser and download the file from GitHub.
2. Upload the file to https://www.virustotal.com to see if the file is a known malicious file.
Challenge

Generate the MD5 hash of the downloaded file and save the hash in a file named`hash.txt` on the desktop.
1. Run the command md5sum eicar_com.zip to generate the MD5 file hash.
- Open gedit and copy/paste the hash into the file and save the file as hash.txt on the desktop.
1. Upload the file hash to https://www.virustotal.com to see if the file is known to be malicious.

About the author

Pluralsight Skills

Pluralsight Skills gives leaders confidence they have the skills needed to execute technology strategy. Technology teams can benchmark expertise across roles, speed up release cycles and build reliable, secure products. By leveraging our expert content, skill assessments and one-of-a-kind analytics, keep up with the pace of change, put the right people on the right projects and boost productivity. It's the most effective path to developing tech skills at scale.

Real skill practice before real-world application

Hands-on Labs are real environments created by industry experts to help you learn. These environments help you gain knowledge and experience, practice without compromising your system, test without risk, destroy without fear, and let you learn from your mistakes. Hands-on Labs: practice your skills before delivering in the real world.

Learn by doing

Engage hands-on with the tools and technologies you’re learning. You pick the skill, we provide the credentials and environment.

Follow your guide

All labs have detailed instructions and objectives, guiding you through the learning process and ensuring you understand every step.

Turn time into mastery

On average, you retain 75% more of your learning if you take time to practice. Hands-on labs set you up for success to make those skills stick.