Dual boot: Can a virus on windows bring down my linux partition as well?

xri · 09-03-2007, 12:30 PM

I work on my Linux partition 80% of the time, on my laptop.
However, I do surf the Internet and download stuff sometimes inside Firefox on xp, too.

I do have Avast (a memory hungry antivirus) and Kerio (firewall) on Windows. I also backup my MBR and partition table.

Questions:

Can a virus, after accessing Windows, destroy my Linux system on the same hard disk?
Which further, more efficient security measures do you recommend for a dual boot system, where the vulnerable part is obviously the Windows partition? I could setup a periodic check of the xp partition with clamav.

Opinions, tips and further reading will be appreciated.

rjwilmsi · 09-03-2007, 12:58 PM

Well there are viruses that can attack the motherboard BIOS, and I suppose there are viruses that can delete partitions, so you're never going to be 100% safe. But if you're clued up enough to be thinking about this I don't see how you would be easily fooled into downloading a virus. I would add a periodic spyware / crap check with Spybot Search & Destroy to your security procedures. Keep up to date with the Windows updates of course.

xri · 09-06-2007, 08:29 PM

Thank you, rjwilmsi.

I'll follow your advise.