Bootcamp Virus

This is a related question to that described in:
(http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?threadID=1857176&tstart=0) of today which I note has been "Answered" and therefore may not be viewed further.
Hi guys!
This is a separate but related topic that I would like advice on. I have partitioned, via BootCamp, my drive to OS X and Windows XP. I have Intego VirusBarrier on the OS X side and BitDefender 2009 on the Windows side. In the 15 minutes or so on Explorer to choose and download an anti virus package for Windows I picked up 6 viruses which BitDefender identified and disinfected. I intend to use Windows for PC games but obviously there will be those few occasions when I will use Explorer (I see no need to use Hotmail).
My Mac is connected to the net via broadband. My question is this: when I am playing games with Explorer not in use (I.E. I have quit it) am I still exposed to viruses because I am still connected to the net via my broadband? As a follow up would it be better to break my broadband connection (turn off the router) as a belt and braces?
Many thanks guys I am a bit of a newbie with Bootcamp and Windows let alone viruses!

When you have your iMac running Windows it will be open to virus's just like any PC would be. Remember when you run Windows you have turned your machine into a Windows machine and are open to any and all the issues any Window's machines can have. It sounds like you come from the Windows world and if you want to continue using Windows you should be ready for the same issues you had on a dedicated Windows machine. If you turn off your router when using a PC to protect yourself then you should probably do the same thing.
The good news is if you are affected by some malware when using Windows it will only affect the Windows volume and should not affect the OS X volume.

Similar Messages

  • Possible Virus On Bootcamp, how to remove?

    Hi, I think I may have gotten a virus on my windows partition of my macbook pro. I windows XP professional with service pack 3 installed. Last weekend I was booted into windows when it suffered a "fatal error." The computer restarted and windows XP was fine. I did, however, get this email from my university network manager concerning my computer:
    The computer in question appears to be infected with
    a Trojan or worm that reports home to an IRC server.
    Several examples include sdbot, spybot, gaobot, polybot,
    and some variants of OptixPro. We notice these because
    the computer is trying to connect to a known IRC bot
    controller.
    We often are unable to tell exactly which version of
    which IRC bot an infected computer has, but the
    detection method is rarely wrong. There are hundreds if
    not thousands of known variants of each of the above
    viruses, with new ones being released daily. Updated
    AntiVirus software may or may not detect this threat.
    Odds are good that the attacker obtained the
    password database for this computer, containing all
    of the passwords for all accounts on the computer.
    It is IMPERATIVE that all passwords for all accounts
    on this computer be changed before this computer
    is placed back onto the network.
    Computers infected with an IRC bot should have their
    hard disk formatted and have the Operating System
    reinstalled and patched before coming back onto the
    network. All passwords on the rebuild system should
    be different than they were on the infected system.
    IRC bots not only often come bundled with
    other malicious software, but once they connect to
    the IRC controller, they often download and install
    even more malicious software, without the knowledge
    and/or consent of the computer user. Therefore,
    even if AntiVirus software detects and removes the
    IRC bot, typically more malicious software is left
    behind, still running.
    IRC bots are updated frequently. Even up-to-date
    AntiVirus software often doesn't detect the latest
    IRC bots. Once the AntiVirus companies start
    detecting a particular IRC bot, the bot is typically
    instructed to update itself to a variant that is
    not detected by AntiVirus.
    Because of the above activities, scanning for viruses
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    remedy for an IRC bot infection.
    I have symantec antivirus for mac, is there any way I can use it to scan the bootcamp partition? I think I know where the infected file is, but symantec says it's clean. I also have Symantec for Windows.
    It would be a HUGE inconvenience to reinstall windows XP because my disc is at home and I will not be home for another 2 and a half months. Can you give me any tips on how to remove this virus without reinstalling windows XP?
    Thanks,
    Sam

    If you delete it you are only getting rid of half the problem, and likely will be unable to do this.
    Start up in Safe mode.. (If you're having trouble doing this press start and search for MSCONFIG go to boot.ini and start in safe mode).
    This will only run basic stuff for windows and should potentially stop the Winlog running.
    However as I said winlog will probably re-appear because the trojan will likely just retrieve it back from the internet.
    I say the best solution is...
    Restart your mac into OS X, download Avast free edition and Spybot S&D or similar, and ZoneAlarm Firewall.
    Put them on your bootcamp drive. restart into windows in safe mode. Install those and restart back into safe mode if needed.
    Set avast to run a boot time scan (Scans before you load into Windows. Run SpyBot S&D. And set Zonealarm to have atleast some sort of protection running all the time.

  • If I use Bootcamp, can I get Windows viruses on my Mac?

    I am using Mac OS X 10.8.3. I am about to install Windows 7 on my iMac with Bootcamp. Can I get Windows virus on my Mac because of Bootcamp?

    If you do, it'll only affect the Windows partition of your hard drive.
    If you feel really worried, I'd suggest running Windows in a virtual machine using Parallels or similar. You can set things up so that there's no access to your Mac from the virtual machine and, if the VM gets a problem, you can just delete it.

  • Bootcamp and virus.

    Hi,
    If I use Bootcamp and the Windows partition geta a virus, will it affect my Mac operating system or the harddrive? If so can I just uninstall the partition?
    Thank you.

    A Windows virus is unlikely to affect the Mac OS X system, as Windows cannot access it without third-party software; if MacDrive is used, mount the Mac partition as read-only to stop any potential viruses from getting onto it.
    (26736)

  • In 1 applications, e.g. Norton Virus Scan, and Macware DiskToolsPro, the status bar shows 100% but task is still running. Where it says x of y items complete, x is y. This also happens in Windows 7 with Bootcamp. Please explain.

    In >1 applications, e.g. Norton Virus Scan, and Macware DiskToolsPro, the status bar sometimes shows 100% complete but task is still running. Under the status bar, where it says something like "x of y items complete," x is greater than y. This also happens in Windows 7 with Bootcamp. Why does this happen?

    In >1 applications, e.g. Norton Virus Scan, and Macware DiskToolsPro, the status bar sometimes shows 100% complete but task is still running. Under the status bar, where it says something like "x of y items complete," x is greater than y. This also happens in Windows 7 with Bootcamp. Why does this happen?

  • Bootcamp Anti Virus Software

    Hi - I've searched to find some info on which Anti Virus to get for use with XP using Bootcamp. My first MAC should arrive in the next few days
    I know now not to install Norton and also what "free" program to use on the MAC side.
    I'm sorry if I've posted it the wrong section, let me know if I need to post elsewhere.
    Many thanks

    Alan Sedge wrote:
    Many thanks. My friend recommends "Kapeisky",
    That's included free with the Parallels software (a virtual machine solution to run Windows on the Mac); can't say how good it is, though, since I'm running Symantec AV. You might try posting this query in the Boot Camp forum:
    http://discussions.apple.com/category.jspa?categoryID=237

  • Bootcamp and anti-virus and is getting VMware or Parallel better?

    I am starting research that requires me to download File Warden in Windows, so I loaded Windows onto my Mac by using bootcamp. Is this partitioned hard drive that is now I guess a mini-PC in my Mac require its own anti-virus programs and such?
    Also, the research program that I will be using will analyze the data using Excel, so I guess I would also have to download Excel into Windows. However, if I just got VMware or Parallel, and ran the research program on my Mac, would that data be converted automatically to "Numbers" which I have on my computer? If I used VMware or Parallel would I still need anti-virus?
    Apologies if these questions are obvious, I'm new to this.
    Message was edited by: karym

    Yes you need AV/anti-malware.
    http://www.microsoft.com/Security_Essentials/
    You need to buy and install Office though you might want to see if Office 2011 for Mac will do for your needs.
    I would guess Numbers is not going to do more than import and may or may not be suitable.

  • Worrying about viruses on Windows 8 through bootcamp.

    So im going to be installing Windows 8 on my Macbook Pro (Ill list the specs below) for games, as there just arent enough decent games for OS X. As the topic states, im going to be using Bootcamp. Ive done my research on how to do it, im well informed on the subject, and im confident I will be able to do it easily. Im not one of those idiots that says Macs cant get viruses, as I completely understand the real reason why there are less viruses on Mac than on Windows. What im worried about is a possible virus on the Windows side of the computer, and it affecting the OS X side. Is this possible? Say I accidentally contract a virus that basically turns my computer into a block of metal. Will it only be the Windows part of the computer? Or will the entire computer be screwed? I doubt ill be getting a virus, im very careful. Im just wondering. Because of the price, I will not be able to replace this Mac, so I need to know that I wont ruin it just to play some games.
    2 GHz Intel Quad-Core i7
    8 GB 1600 MHz DDR3
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    OS X 10.9.2

    on osx the virus scanners are really more about trying to create a market then they are
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    Not really. That's simply a common myth, often spread even by high-level members here. We're getting a bit off the topic of malware on Windows in Boot Camp, though, so for those who are also concerned with protecting their Macs from malware, see my Mac Malware Guide.

  • Virus software for bootcamp?

    since bootcamp Is windows and as everyone knows windows gets viruses easily do you need to get a virus software for running bootcamp

    Brando21 wrote:
    since bootcamp Is windows and as everyone knows windows gets viruses easily do you need to get a virus software for running bootcamp
    This works for me and it free:
    http://anti-virus-solution.com/avast2/

  • What happens if I get a virus on my BootCamp Partition?

    I just installed Windows 8 on BootCamp on my MacBook Pro. It runs OS X Mavericks.  I want to know what happens if I get a virus on my Windows Partition. Will it take up more space or harm my Mac?

    Java is cross platform, and can be compromised and it makes very little difference which OS is underlying Java.
    Is this file system available for information to be stolen by viruses on the Windows side?

  • HT3986 Bootcamp and viruses?

    This is probably a dumb question, but I am looking to install windows 7 on my mac through bootcamp to play a few basic windows only games. I am wondering if I will now have to worry about getting any viruses on the windows side and it causing problems for my mac? Thanks.

    You have the idea.
    To remove Windows and restore your drive just use Boot Camp Assistant to remove the Windows partition. There are many ways to run Windows on your Mac:
    Windows on Intel Macs
    There are presently several alternatives for running Windows on Intel Macs.
    Install the Apple Boot Camp software.  Purchase Windows XP w/Service Pak2, Vista, or Windows 7.  Follow instructions in the Boot Camp documentation on installation of Boot Camp, creating Driver CD, and installing Windows.  Boot Camp enables you to boot the computer into OS X or Windows.
    Parallels Desktop for Mac and Windows XP, Vista Business, Vista Ultimate, or Windows 7.  Parallels is software virtualization that enables running Windows concurrently with OS X.
    VM Fusionand Windows XP, Vista Business, Vista Ultimate, or Windows 7.  VM Fusion is software virtualization that enables running Windows concurrently with OS X.
    CrossOver which enables running many Windows applications without having to install Windows.  The Windows applications can run concurrently with OS X.
    VirtualBox is a new Open Source freeware virtual machine such as VM Fusion and Parallels that was developed by Solaris.  It is not as fully developed for the Mac as Parallels and VM Fusion.
    Note that Parallels and VM Fusion can also run other operating systems such as Linux, Unix, OS/2, Solaris, etc.  There are performance differences between dual-boot systems and virtualization.  The latter tend to be a little slower (not much) and do not provide the video performance of the dual-boot system. See MacTech.com's Virtualization Benchmarking for comparisons of Boot Camp, Parallels, and VM Fusion. Boot Camp is only available with Leopard or Snow Leopard. Except for Crossover and a couple of similar alternatives like DarWine you must have a valid installer disc for Windows.
    You must also have an internal optical drive for installing Windows. Windows cannot be installed from an external optical drive.

  • Anti-Virus Recommendations for Windows 7 Bootcamp Partition

    Hello smart mac users
    I am running a Windows 7 64bit Bootcamp Partition on my 27" iMac (new to Mac).
    Can anyone recommend a reliable Anti-Virus software for my Windows 7 Partition?
    All the posts I've read about Norton or Mcaffee have been bad....I've not found one good recommendation
    I've found multiple recommendations for Microsoft Security Essentials but I'm always shy of free products (you get what you pay for) ...and I read a not so great but not bad review about it online. Comments? Can it really be as safe and reliable as a paid antivirus software?
    AVG free anti-virus is also recommened here..
    Everything I've read about paid Anti-Virus software on this forum is bad...seems to cause many more problems
    I haven't heard anything bad about Kapersky on Windows bootcamp..comments?
    Anyone out there using Kapersky / Norton / Mcafee / Sophos / Others with no problems?
    I will use Clam Xav for the Mac partition...
    I've read on this forum that the bootcamp windows partition is just like running windows on a normal PC...and we should install Anti-virus just like you would on a normal PC....but I've read nothing but bad reviews when installing Norton or Mcafee on the Windows bootcamp partion....please comment
    If people can reassure me Microsoft Security Essentials is safe (or another) ..I'll use it...just need convincing it can still provide the protection required..
    I will only be using my iMac for work ....I plan on using Paragon NTFS and Paragon HFS+ to simply copy/paste working files between windows and mac partitions
    Thanks in advance for any comments/recommendations!
    VietBrad

    Security Essentials
    AVG
    Avast
    are all good. Norton and McAffee are bloated, cause system slowdowns, and are not easy to uninstall, not to mention expensive, imho. The free programs I listed above, and others, offer as good protection as any of the paid for programs. I don't know how to "reassure" you but many thousands, if not millions of Windows users are using free anti-virus apps with success.

  • "System Progressive" virus on Windows/Bootcamp partition

    Hi.  I got the System Progressive virus (or a similarly named virus) on the Windows/Bootcamp side of my iMac.  Can I use my time machine to restore the windows partition to a previous date?  If I can, how do I do that safely without screwing up my system?  Thank you in advance to anyone who can help answer my questions.   These forums are great and I really appreciate all of the smart people who help us dummies out.  You guys/gals are the best!

    Krittersnort wrote:
    Hi.  I got the System Progressive virus (or a similarly named virus) on the Windows/Bootcamp side of my iMac.  Can I use my time machine to restore the windows partition to a previous date?  If I can, how do I do that safely without screwing up my system?  Thank you in advance to anyone who can help answer my questions.   These forums are great and I really appreciate all of the smart people who help us dummies out.  You guys/gals are the best!
    TM doesn't back up Windows, did you not use a Windows backup program at all?
    Good luck with removing the virus but I would suggest removing and reinstalling Windows

  • BOOTCAMP - WINDOWS - ANTI VIRUS

    Hi
    Just about to change back to a Mac and for a while will have to install Windows on the iMac via bootcamp. I currently have anti-virus software on my PC, so the questions are should I continue to use that on the windows partition? Will it protect the whole machine?
    Any help on this would be very welcome
    Thanks in advance

    Hi guys!
    This is a separate but related topic that I would like advice on. I have partitioned, via BootCamp, my drive to OS X and Windows XP. I have Intego VirusBarrier on the OS X side and BitDefender 2009 on the Windows side. In the 15 minutes or so on Explorer to choose and download an anti virus package for Windows I picked up 6 viruses which BitDefender identified and disinfected. I intend to use Windows for PC games but obviously there will be those few occasions when I will use Explorer (I see no need to use Hotmail).
    My Mac is connected to the net via broadband. My question is this: when I am playing games with Explorer not in use (I.E. I have quit it) am I still exposed to viruses because I am still connected to the net via my broadband? As a follow up would it be better to break my broadband connection (turn off the router) as a belt and braces?
    Many thanks guys I am a bit of a newbie with Bootcamp and Windows let alone viruses!

  • Virus in bootcamp

    am i still vulnerable to getting a virus in bootcamp even though my harddrive is partitioned? if so, will it affect my mac os x partition?

    am i still vulnerable to getting a virus in bootcamp even though my harddrive is partitioned?
    Yes. A computer started up into Windows through Boot Camp is as vulnerable as a PC with the same Windows configuration.
    if so, will it affect my mac os x partition?
    Probably not. If you use MacDrive, choosing to mount the Mac OS X partition read-only will provide a layer of security.
    (27992)

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