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Computer Security & Viruses/virus and affects to motherboard and usb

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Expert: - 12/25/2009


Question
sorry if you received an question with a similar email. i type my email wrong before.

Can virus affect your motherboard and usb flash drives?
1:If my usb flash drive which has important files is connected to my pc when its affected with virus (trojan worms, key-loggers, etc...) can it be affected as well?

2: Also can my motherboard be affected as well?

3: what if my pc is already affected with virus and then i install my usb flash drive, will my usb stick be affect?

Answer

Enrgy21.com
Chris,

A virus can't really affect your motherboard hardware directly, but it can indirectly via the BIOS.

I could use my own words, but I'd be saying basically what's already been revealed (following posts) appropriate for the average user.

http://dniinoi.wordpress.com/2008/03/26/the-myth-behind-virus-attack-and-hardwar...
http://www.answerbag.com/q_view/606376

And, there are other discussions - use your favorite search engine with words like "can a virus affect the motherboard?".

As far as flash drives, the following posts discuss how to determine if a flash drive is infected (and how to remove), how to disable Autorun, and other pro-active security info.

http://www.whoismadhur.com/2008/01/26/how-to-remove-virus-from-usb-drives/
http://www.tomshardware.com/news/usb-flash-virus-secure,6564.html
    Questioner's Rating
    Rating(1-10)Knowledgeability = 10Clarity of Response = 10Politeness = 10
    Commentthank you very much.. your links were very useful. i'm sorry if i asked the same question twice.


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James Filmer

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Viruses, Spam, hacking, Rootkits, Trojans, Keyloggers, all other forms of Malware, Internet access problems, slow systems, application and system instability, network abuse, Firewalls, layered security configurations, system maintenance support and general troubleshooting.

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