Can I get some virus on virtualbox with Windows?

miros84 · 01-05-2010, 03:26 PM

I have Debian Lenny with virtual-box and I just installed Windows in it.
Can I have some virus and destroy me windows on virtual box in Debian?
It is recommended to install some anti virus if I think to use it for a long time?

Quakeboy02 · 01-05-2010, 03:29 PM

Windows doesn't stop being Windows just because it's a guest OS on VirtualBox. So, yes, it can (and probably will) get a virus/trojan/keylogger/botnet/whatever. Protect it the same way you would any other Windows installation.

Hendronicus · 01-05-2010, 03:31 PM

Yes, Windows running in a VM can still get viruses if it's connected to the internet. You still need to have a Windows firewall and anti-virus programs in Windows if you're going to use it on the 'net for any length of time.

kernc · 03-03-2010, 01:28 AM

you don't need AV or FW for you VirtualBox guest OS. just install everything you need, then create a snapshot, then revert to that clean snapshot every time you suspect something is wrong. if you aren't using win guest, and have your win documents on a 'networked drive', when closing VirtualBox you can also select 'Power off the machine' with 'revert to last snapshot' checked.

sorry for bump

evo2 · 03-03-2010, 01:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kernc

then revert to that clean snapshot every time you suspect something is wrong.

I'm not a windows user, so please forgive me if I've overlooked something, but isn't the point of most of the anti-virus/scanning software to find or prevent problems and alert you to them. Surely if "you suspect something is wrong" your current image is already up the creek, and probably your snap shots are too.

Evo2.

FireRaven · 03-03-2010, 02:25 AM

Also make sure the anti-virus software is installed on windows Windows guest and not on Debian itself, if that's not obvious.
Virus' from your Windows cannot harm your Debian either btw.