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    Virus on my Windows7 Ultimate VM?

    Discussion in 'Security and Anti-Virus Software' started by Eagle97, Jul 4, 2010.

  1. Eagle97

    Eagle97 Notebook Guru

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    If a program on my VM is malware infected, will the infection affect the host computer? Will deleting the affected program and rebooting the VM get rid of the malware? I have Norton 360 Premier on the host computer and the VM, but I ask this in the event of a problem slipping through a Norton crack.
     
    Eagle97, Jul 4, 2010
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  2. BinkNR

    BinkNR Knock off all that evil

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    Generally no, but if the program can use a network connection to get outside the VM, or can exploit a hole in the VM software to affect the host (unlikely), yes.
    Yes, but most malware today does a fair job of sticking around even after you believe you’ve purged it. If possible, I recommend taking a snapshot of the VM first (most VM software can do this today)—and then getting infected. Reverting to the snapshot will quickly put the machine back into its original pristine state.
     
    BinkNR, Jul 4, 2010
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