Virus from Boot Camp?

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Level 1

6 points

Virus from Boot Camp?

Hey all,

I'm looking at purchasing an iMac for my dad, but since he uses Corel Draw for a screen printing business, he'll have to use boot camp for that program. My question is - if he only uses the OS X partition for internet usage and Windows for his artwork, could the OS X partition contract a Windows virus that would affect the Windows partition? I've been purely an OS X user and havent had any experience with how boot camp actually works and what vulnerabilities it may or may not have. Thanks ahead!

Posted on Nov 26, 2015 5:41 PM

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Answer 1

Nov 26, 2015 5:48 PM in response to GeeCee89

Since BootCamp must boot to Windows to be able to execute Windows programs, it is necessary to have AV software on the Bootcamp partition in order to protect it from virus.

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Answer 2

Loner T

Level 9

59,471 points

Nov 26, 2015 10:09 PM in response to GeeCee89

Apple HFS+ file systems are readable from a Bootcamp/Windows installation since Apple provides a driver. It is also possible to 'steal' OS X files if a suitably-crafted piece of code is installed on the Windows side. Treat the Windows installation like a normal PC for Virus-related decisions. As Allan Eckert suggests, an AV software is a must on a BC/Windows installation.

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Answer 3

Rudegar

Level 10

170,616 points

Nov 27, 2015 8:38 AM in response to GeeCee89

malware are typically not multi platform so even if windows could write to OS X part of the hd then it would not infect OS X with the vira though if it had writing rights it could delete stuff

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