Windows virus from Mac internet

Hi,

This is probably a really dumb question, but if anybody can help I would really appreciate it.

I have Windows installed on my Mac via Parallels to enable me to run MS Access. I don't use Windows for anything else, and I figured to stop the chances of getting any sort of infection on that side I would disable the internet access through Windows. As a result I don't have anti virus software running as, not being connected to the internet on the virtual machine I didn't think I needed it.

But my question is, as I am connecting to the internet via the Mac, is there any chance that a virus can come in this way, and go across to Windows?

Like I said thats probably a very stupid question, but I am not technically savvy so would appreciate your advice.

thanks,
Adam.

 

I believe it is technically possible, bit only in the strictest sense. It is tremendously unlikely.
Especially if you don't run anything else but access on the windows box.

 

Thats great to hear. Many thanks for your reply.

Adam.

 

I'm sorry but AriehS's your answer is not entirely correct, there are important caveats.
Yes, it is possible and likely if:

* You visit a site on WINDOWS that takes advantage of a browser vulnerability to install malware (but he said he only runs Access, well, yeah, but many people don't consider using the browser occasionally to matter anything at all, besides knowledge is power) .
* You copy an infected file from OS X to Windows, since the malware doesn't work on OS X it will go unnoticed (imagine you receive an infected email attachment on OS X and then drag it to Windows). Of course this assumes you are also not running an AV on the Mac (most modern OS X AVs also detect Windows malware).

AdamB1: Just because someone on the internet of whom you know nothing about says something is safe you shouldn't assume that's a correct answer (don't take it personally AriehS, I'm speaking in general terms).

 

I agree with you on every point, specimen, but AdamB1 made very clear he has disabled network access on windows. Even if he opened the browser, it couldn't end up online.

Yes, infected files *might* pass, but the risk is low. The vast vast majority of malware today is designed to grant others access to your data. If the virtual box is not online, he's still immune.

It's not perfect safety, but he's likely safe enough for the sort of user he is, given he's not already protected by an IT department.

 

Hi both,

Thanks for both of your replies. I can clarify that my internet access is disabled on Windows. Also, I don't open anything whatsoever on Windows other than the Access database I mentioned above, or copy anything between the two systems. So bearing that in mind, I think your replies are suggesting I'm basically safe the way I am, which is great news. If anybody still thinks otherwise, please do let me know.

Thanks again for your replies. Much appreciated.

Adam.