Windows 7: VIRTUAL MACHINE ~ Can Guest OS become Infected Through Host OS ? ? ?

DUNKY · 04 Jan 2013

VIRTUAL MACHINE ~ Can Guest OS become Infected Through Host OS ? ? ?

If I setup and use a virtual machine running/containing both a Host OS and a guest OS ... do they remain completely separate entities when operating one or the other?

My main concern is Virus related ... if for instance I'm Running Windows 7 as the host and XP as the guest and I get the host OS infected, will the guest XP OS also contract it by default because it is operating on the same disk? . . . same question applies vice~versa

thanks

Brink · 04 Jan 2013

Hello Dunky,

If you share files between the guest and host, then yes the will be able to infect each other. It's even possible without sharing files, but not as likely.

It would be best to have a good AV program installed and kept updated on both.

Hope this helps,

Shawn

DUNKY · 04 Jan 2013

Thanks Shawn,

I'm mainly trying to utilize a virtual machine for the purposes of having one OS used for everyday common use and the other strictly for sensitive financial and commerce related usage .. ex. paying bills.

I want to keep it secure without it getting compromised. I'm not certain whether it's worth having a dual boot configuration on separate drives or going via the Virtual Machine route.

Brink · 04 Jan 2013

If your hardware can support it, a virtual machine may be better.

DUNKY · 04 Jan 2013

Quote: Originally Posted by Brink

If your hardware can support it, a virtual machine may be better.

Someone suggested to me that i should "truecrypt" the drive as well as the VM for much added security .. are you at all familiar with this?

may i also inquire what measures you take to ensure your stuff is kept safe?

Brink · 05 Jan 2013

I keep my stuff stored on an external HDD, and only turned on and connected as needed.

"Truecrypt" or the built-in "BitLocker" is good for encrypting the drives to help keep people from nosing around your computer when they are sitting at it, but it's not going to help with malware or viruses.

You might also look into using a "sandbox" to isolate items as well.

DUNKY · 05 Jan 2013

Quote: Originally Posted by Brink

I keep my stuff stored on an external HDD, and only turned on and connected as needed.

"Truecrypt" or the built-in "BitLocker" is good for encrypting the drives to help keep people from nosing around your computer when they are sitting at it, but it's not going to help with malware or viruses.

You might also look into using a "sandbox" to isolate items as well.

Thank you Shawn. I will look into all of your suggestions.

Mucho appreciated.

Brink · 05 Jan 2013

You're most welcome.

DUNKY · 05 Jan 2013

Quote: Originally Posted by Brink

I keep my stuff stored on an external HDD, and only turned on and connected as needed.

"Truecrypt" or the built-in "BitLocker" is good for encrypting the drives to help keep people from nosing around your computer when they are sitting at it, but it's not going to help with malware or viruses.

You might also look into using a "sandbox" to isolate items as well.

Shawn would you tell me more about your "external HDD, that are only turned on and connected as needed."??

Thanks

Brink · 05 Jan 2013

It's an external drive enclosure with a HDD in it that can be connected to the computer via eSATA, USB 3.0, or USB 2.0.

It shows up like any other HDD when manually connected and turned on.

Windows 7: VIRTUAL MACHINE ~ Can Guest OS become Infected Through Host OS ? ? ?

VIRTUAL MACHINE ~ Can Guest OS become Infected Through Host OS ? ? ? problems?