Virtual Machine Questions?

[legend8887]

I'd like to test malware and other malicious software but I don't want to infect my real PC. Is it possible to make a virtual machine to test the malware without harming your own computer? Could I delete the virtual machine if I wanted to?

[Elven]

 

 

I'd like to test malware and other malicious software but I don't want to infect my real PC. Is it possible to make a virtual machine to test the malware without harming your own computer? Could I delete the virtual machine if I wanted to?

 

In theory it is possible. The virtual machine can be configured to be on a separate network isolated from the physical network, which is one box ticked off for security. There must be some sort of clever virus out there that could possibly break the anti-virus barrier and firewall set in place between the virtual networks. 

 

I would say, yes, given cautious conduct and awareness you can. Virtual machines are very easy to remove (unless they are deeply infected by virus') simply delete the folder/file of the virtual machine and it is gone.

 

Essentially the protection between the virtual machine and the host is the anti virus you got install on the virtual machine and host, also the firewall. Virtual network will also help. make sure that the machine is created in an isolated environment and the IP address is off a different network. I am not sure what, if any, internet access is needed.

 

Elven

[mgsstar]

Yes you could use VirtualBox to run your virtual machine and create a virtual drive in virtualbox. As long as you disable network connectivity(need to do that in settings) and the sharing of files between your computer that you are running the virtual machine on (which should be disabled by default), I don't think the malware/virus will be able to come out. You are able to delete the drive by deleting the disk file.

[legend8887]

Yes you could use VirtualBox to run your virtual machine and create a virtual drive in virtualbox. As long as you disable network connectivity(need to do that in settings) and the sharing of files between your computer that you are running the virtual machine on (which should be disabled by default), I don't think the malware/virus will be able to come out. You are able to delete the drive by deleting the disk file.

What's the best place to download a VM?

[antoainb]

What's the best place to download a VM?

 

You don't download VMs, you download software (like Oracle's VirtualBox) and create a VM. If you need help read this. You also need to make sure that you check the options other people said.