Questions tagged [virus]
A computer virus is a program or piece of code that tends to be malicious and is loaded onto your computer without your knowledge and runs against your wishes.
1,016 questions
0
votes
1
answer
354
views
What are the best security practices when when using VirtualBox on Windows 11 with an old OS?
Got a cheap new laptop to play old games with a VM of Windows XP/7, with the host being Windows 11.
Using a WiFi that isn't my own (as I don't plan on connecting to the internet with this laptop) I ...
CommunityBot
- 1
0
votes
1
answer
2k
views
Virustotal detecting threats in Suricata rule set
Virustotal scans are detecting threats from the Suricata default rule pack located https://rules.emergingthreats.net/open/suricata-4.0/
Is this a false positive?
https://www.virustotal.com/#/file/...
CommunityBot
- 1
0
votes
1
answer
235
views
Is an antivirus needed for linux home usage when there is exchange of files with other OS e.g. Windows?
I was under the impression that an antivirus for Linux makes sense only for installing in business computers. Checking Norton/BitDefender/Karpesky I don't see any Linux option for the first or any non ...
CommunityBot
- 1
1
vote
1
answer
1k
views
I accessed WhatsApp Web on a computer with a virus
"The following happens: I downloaded WhatsApp on my phone, which had a backup linked to my email. I accessed WhatsApp Web on a computer with a virus, logged out from there, reset my phone to ...
- 132k
5
votes
1
answer
3k
views
C# Hello World program detected as virus
I just wrote and compiled a Hello World program in C# (I'm using Visual Studio 2022) and when I sent the file to VirusTotal, 1 antivirus program detected the exe as unsafe (VirusTotal results of C# ...
- 132k
2
votes
2
answers
142
views
If I try to open a PDF that is password protected inside an email, can I harm my PC [closed]
I have my own Office 365 tenant, and yesterday I got an email from the IT manager of an eligible chemical company in India, where the email contains a password-protected PDF. The email did not go to ...
3
votes
1
answer
1k
views
Where can I find the launcher for this virus that uses Powershell?
On my Windows 10 PC after about 30 minutes of being turned on I always get a powershell window that immediately hides and consumes a lot of RAM.
So I went to the powershell directory:
"C:\Windows\...
CommunityBot
- 1
0
votes
1
answer
170
views
How many parts of an average laptop can be compromised? and how to confirm they are not?
The majority of virus/malware is stored and persists on the hard drive, Therefore by formatting the hard drive or re-installing the operating system, the virus is removed.
However, the average laptop ...
CommunityBot
- 1
6
votes
3
answers
4k
views
What is the best way to protect from polymorphic viruses?
Due to malware infections becoming more and more common, antivirus are a growing industry.
But it is common knowledge that polymorphic viruses (that rewrite their own code) are much harder to detect ...
- 1,280
2
votes
1
answer
182
views
Could it theoretically be possible to get a virus installed through inficted router? [duplicate]
I was wondering if its possible to accidentally install malware and have it spread to your router/ethernet hub. Then reinstall windows and hard reset your drives so the virus has been removed from ...
- 132k
34
votes
1
answer
5k
views
Has malware ever been found in a package from a large Linux distribution and what is done to prevent this from occurring?
I am wondering exactly how safe are the Arch, Ubuntu, Mint and Manjaro repositories. What testing is done to ensure that a trusted user does not place a virus in a package, and how often?
- 4,082
2
votes
1
answer
291
views
In theory, can you get hacked through watching streaming services?
I kind of get it that you can get hacked by loading up an image, as there can be code embedded in the file that may execute under certain circumstances, and the image itself won’t even look much ...
- 1,220
2
votes
1
answer
261
views
Firmware Infections - how to detect, how to remove?
One often reads disturbing news about firmware infections. It is often said that such malware, due to its extensive permissions in the system, can manipulate practically everything, especially its own ...
- 115
4
votes
2
answers
6k
views
If my old device is infected, can my new device get viruses from my social media accounts?
Is it okay to log in my social media accounts (Facebook, Instagram, etc.) from my old phone that I believe is infected with viruses to my new phone? Can virus transfer because of that?
CommunityBot
- 1
1
vote
0
answers
90
views
How to use one of Microsoft's new computers without leaking information?
Let's say I am interested in using one of Microsoft's new computers but I have concerns over the massive amount of data, personal behavior, and whatnot being consumed by the machine. Microsoft claims ...
- 132k
1
vote
1
answer
341
views
Could the Brain virus technically prevent software piracy?
The Brain virus is an early virus targeting the IBM PC / MS DOS platform.
Sometimes, it is claimed that one of the virus' purpose was to prevent the copying of some software that the virus was ...
CommunityBot
- 1
57
votes
5
answers
56k
views
Can malicious code trigger without the user executing or opening the file?
If a file is downloaded from the Internet, and saved on disk, but is not opened by a user (if we keep autorun off), are there any chances that malicious code (e.g. a virus) in the file could trigger?
...
0
votes
1
answer
86
views
How to handle trojan executed on my laptop? [duplicate]
Unfortunately, I have executed an .exe file on my PC. After scanning the file I understood that it is a trojan and after checking its behaviour using VirusTotal I understood that it left many files on ...
- 2,727
0
votes
1
answer
77
views
Random Requests Trying To Download Virus On Server?
So, I was hosting my website on fastapi, and then I saw this 2 requests on my server.
I found that there was link, that was linking to file named "shk" on random ip adresses. I tried to ...
- 208k
1
vote
2
answers
385
views
Backdoor:PHP/Webshell.O virus detected in an uploaded image file. Should I be worried? How can I prevent it?
I have a site which allows users to upload images. One uploaded file was recently detected by antivirus software (uploads aren't scanned, this was a system wide scan after)
Upon upload, I check the ...
- 22.9k
1
vote
3
answers
265
views
Can my phone got infected if visit my mail inbox without opening any mail attachments?
I've found some articles saying some viruses/malware can attack your device by just opening an email without downloading or opening any attachments.
Is this true?
If yes, how risky for ordinary mail ...
- 132k
0
votes
0
answers
33
views
Is my home network infected? [duplicate]
Today, my family brought me a quite old laptop (it had Windows 7 Enterprise from around 2009). When I tried to turn it on, it was already complicated because I got a black screen with options, but the ...
- 132k
6
votes
1
answer
5k
views
How do you know if the bios has been compromised?
To secure my PC I have setup a BIOS password, preventing any access from a live-cd.
Recently I've noticed that when the BIOS asks for my password, I just have to press Enter to boot. It doesn't work ...
0
votes
0
answers
313
views
Is it possible to infect a monitor via HDMI plus Ethernet [duplicate]
I caught a virus because of an exe file I downloaded to my computer last week. I am replacing my modem, graphics card, motherboard, processor, ssd and ram components with new ones. What are the ...
- 132k
0
votes
1
answer
365
views
Can double-clicking an infected .xlsx file infect me if it crashed?
I downloaded an Excel (.xlsx) file from the internet.
Then I tried to open it by double-clicking on it.
But it suddenly crashed.
Could this mean it could've contained a virus or malware?
1
vote
0
answers
100
views
Streamer Virus on offline network [closed]
I have an offline network with 200 users. and routers, switches, 4 esxi servers and 1 netapp rack.
After about a year, my team found out that we have a virus in the network called streamer.exe that ...
- 132k
1
vote
2
answers
498
views
badBIOS reflashing
This is not a has-badBIOS-pwn3d-me post, so don't worry about any paranoid rants.
Having read a thorough analysis/debunking of the alleged evilware, I certainly understand that the technology badBIOS ...
- 1
2
votes
2
answers
325
views
How malware triggers without user running an executable?
It is known that downloading a file without actually executing it can be a security vulnerability, if the operating system does something which is not known by the user. See here for some good answers....
- 1,139
-1
votes
1
answer
184
views
Can I use a program with a virus safely after I quarantine its virus?
I used to use a program for a long time, but then I found out the program (allegedly) had a virus so I went into Programs and deleted all of its files (without an antivirus).
But I really like that ...
- 132k
1
vote
0
answers
294
views
why did this spybot installer install opera without my consent? [closed]
link to questionable installer
this is the legitimate page to download spybot by the way (the manufacturer's website provides 3 links and i chose this one)
upon installing it opera was automatically ...
- 11
2
votes
0
answers
320
views
WordPress site hacked [closed]
We got hacked.
Our setup:
DigitalOcean VPS, Apache, multiple domains & WP websites, Elementor Pro, hopefully safe plugins.
Known facts:
It's phishing.
The virus infects all the websites on our ...
- 132k
0
votes
1
answer
211
views
Can an earpiece transfer virus from one phone to another? [duplicate]
I gave a friend my earpiece and her phone had audio issues prior to that, I took it back and connected it to my phone and ever since I did, my audio stopped working. Now if I try to do anything that ...
- 99
2
votes
1
answer
156
views
Anything I can do to combat malicious domains?
On Facebook, malware is currently trying to spread itself using the domain googlediver (dot) com, one sample of a malicious url is https://googlediver (dot) com/list-of-traveling-staff , and I believe ...
- 531
4
votes
3
answers
11k
views
Pirate Bay Search Appearing in Chrome
While googling some errors today I noticed I had the option to use
the pirate bay search
Now I saw a similar question posted here How did piratebay.se search engine get in Chrome as an “other search ...
0
votes
1
answer
2k
views
Can a Logitech wireless headphone usb receiver be infected?
Can USB dongles/wireless receivers get a virus from a computer that has been infected? I imagine it’s no more vulnerable than say a usb mouse is?
But since these Logitech usb devices like your mouse ...
CommunityBot
- 1
0
votes
0
answers
159
views
Risk of spyware with proprietary firmware packages on Linux, even after removing them?
When I installed Debian 12 LXQt ISO with the graphical install, it installed many proprietary firmware packages that were not needed and without my consent.
Is it possible that proprietary firmware ...
- 103
0
votes
1
answer
91
views
Reaper distributed patch dissemination design
Academic literature describes a method for distributing benevolent patches "in which every newly patched node forwards the patches to some or all of its neighbors according to a well-designed ...
- 132k
2
votes
2
answers
249
views
What are the risks of using an unpatched device connecting to the internet infrequently?
My grandfather is interested in buying a smart tablet. He never had any personal computer or any internet connection. He wants to use his tablet solely to read the newspaper, as they no longer deliver ...
CommunityBot
- 1
13
votes
4
answers
3k
views
How do I report new malware?
I have a new piece of malware that isn't detected by current anti-virus vendors. How do I report it to them?
I want to do a good turn and help protect as many people as possible. What is the best ...
- 101
3
votes
1
answer
9k
views
Is it possible for a Virus to "leave" the Windows Sandbox (VM) and infect the host system?
Im using Windows 11 Pro. It has a feature called "Windows Sandbox", which is basically a virtual machine.
If im getting a Virus inside of this sandbox, is it possible for that Virus to ...
- 3,501
2
votes
1
answer
3k
views
Is it still possible to get a virus simply by visiting a website? [closed]
I know this is a duplicate question, but there aren't any recent updates on the answers given to this question(here and here) and after a few years, I'm sure browser security has improved drastically. ...
- 123
4
votes
4
answers
5k
views
Clamav can't detect encoded virus files
I have a PHP sheller file (like c99 file) but it's encoded with this functions:
eval(gzinflate(base64_decode("7P3rehblahblah"))
The clamav virus scan can't detect it. How can I detect a virus and ...
- 132k
1
vote
1
answer
571
views
Is it safer to run executable file (not safe, may contain virus) on VBox [duplicate]
I have a host system (Windows 10) with premium antivirus and running a Windows 7 in Virtualbox with no antivirus. I have installed sandboxie and try to run executable files that may contain virus. Is ...
CommunityBot
- 1
2
votes
1
answer
837
views
Downloaded a .scr file (didn't click), will it harm my computer?
I've downloaded a .rar file and extracted it. I have seen that there is a file with extension .scr and in a few seconds, my Windows Defender warned me that a threat had been found. So I just deleted ...
- 1,025
1
vote
0
answers
293
views
I'm receiving text messages that my family didn't send
Lately I've been receiving text messages from family members that they did not send. All 4 family members and I are a part of the SMS group where we send and receive messages related to our family.
...
- 132k
0
votes
1
answer
670
views
How dangerous is it to visit a website?
I visited theannoyingsite (not hyperlinked because it is a nightmare)
It tells you to press space for three seconds, and then it unleashes hell upon your senses. Loud noises, bouncing windows, ...
CommunityBot
- 1
0
votes
1
answer
177
views
Will using a hard drive with the MBR virus cause the main system to be infected?
If I have an old hard drive and assume it has an MBR virus.
If I install it on my computer using a SATA cable as the D drive to store data, will my system drive (C drive) be affected by the MBR virus?
- 3,501
0
votes
1
answer
353
views
Can virus survive macOS Recovery?
In what scenarios would a MacOS virus/malware/rootkit/etc (I use those terms to englobe all types of undesirable or malicious software or code) resist a format of the hard drive in MacOS recovery?
I ...
- 21
2
votes
2
answers
486
views
Is This a Virus?
I want to ask about a program is it malware or a program from Mozilla?
When I turn on my pc it starts normally but I see an open program called update.exe and it has a firefox icon on it, when I click ...
CommunityBot
- 1
2
votes
1
answer
235
views
PC to iOS, USB storage Malware?
I have a laptop, with Windows 7, no internet (with the wifi adapter physically removed). I want to use that machine for stuff like old abandonware, and don’t want to risk any type of malware or virus ...
CommunityBot
- 1