Hello there,

I have a question. If I’m doing windows linux dual boot, is there any possibiliy that windows can spy my data on linux? Or: if i got ransomwared on windows, is my linux part of my pc safe or not?

How can I prevent all above?

Thx

  • Eugenia
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    56 days ago

    I don’t think Windows will spy on Linux, but you never know, as we don’t have the source code of Windows to look it up. If you get ransomed, they can lock the whole ssd, even if your Linux partition might be encrypted already. And even if you have Linux on a separate ssd.

    To prevent all that, practice good use of Windows without going to questionable websites or downloading apps from random places. But the best would be to either have a different PC for Linux. You can buy a small factor PC for $99 these days, brand new. Or, each time before you boot into windows, you disable on the BIOS the SSD with Linux in it. This way, no Windows malware can “see” that there’s another SSD there, so they won’t be able to lock it. Unless of course they lock your BIOS too…

    • @[email protected]
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      13 days ago

      The BEST way if you must use Windows, is to have it in a VM on a Linux host. Isolated in its own sandbox.

      • Eugenia
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        13 days ago

        It depends on the software. If it’s audio real time stuff you need to run, a VM doesn’t help.

        • @[email protected]
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          13 days ago

          Yeah, and also games often require a real install. I think aside from those types of scenarios, the safest, most efficient and convenient is a VM.

    • @[email protected]
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      6 days ago

      BIOS /UEFI malware exist too. Your suggested best practices should also factor this in. Basically if you’re being targeted there’s nothing you can do but by being aware of these risks you have a better chance to keep yourself safe.