Bootcamp Windows = OSX Virus Exposure?

[Codeseven]

I Bootcamp't Windows 7 on my MBP.

I do all my banking while on OS X (Yosemite).

Question, I know Windows is susceptible to Viruses but, do I now have to worry about being susceptible to viruses while in OS X because of Windows? If Windows gets infected will it affect the security of the OS X side? How about my MBP in general? Could a Windows virus screw up the HD that both Windows and OS X is on? Thanks

 

[Intell]

If OS X or Windows gets infected with malware, the worst it could do is read data from the other operating system. When Windows is installed on a Mac, both OS X and Windows only have read access to the other operating system by default. Because of this, not very much damage can be done outside of simply reading files off of the other operating system.

 

[Codeseven]

If OS X or Windows gets infected with malware, the worst it could do is read data from the other operating system. When Windows is installed on a Mac, both OS X and Windows only have read access to the other operating system by default. Because of this, not very much damage can be done outside of simply reading files off of the other operating system.

Thanks Intel.

So while entering my banking passwords while on OS X I shouldn't have to worry if Windows is infected?

 

[Altemose]

No. Since Windows can only read the OS X volume with the default Boot Camp software it is unable to infect the OS X partition. You should obviously keep your computer in good condition free of infections regardless however.

 

[Intell]

Typically not. But of course, don't forget if anything is cached and the malware is intelligent enough, it will search the Mac partition on the drive for credentials and other information.

 

[Altemose]

Also, a Windows virus can damage or destroy the MBR which may cause Windows not to boot properly.

 

[Intell]

Also, a Windows virus can damage or destroy the MBR which may cause Windows not to boot properly.

Unless it's a newer Mac with Windows 7 or higher. They boot via EFI using GPT.

 

[Altemose]

Unless it's a newer Mac with Windows 7 or higher. They boot via EFI using GPT.

Correct me if I am wrong, but a virus infection could destroy the information contained in GPT.

 

[Intell]

GPT is much more resilient than MBR. There are security measures in place to prevent such things as that.

 

[Codeseven]

Thank you fellas.