VM Isolation?

[Psittac]

If I were to install an OS on a VM, how seperate from the host machine would it be? IE: if the OS is infected can it affect the host?

 

I'm thinking of running a VM ontop of a windows install and don't want to damage my installs.

[unijab]

Ever heard of QubesOS??

[Psittac]

57 minutes ago, unijab said:

Ever heard of QubesOS??

Not a clue, I'll google it

[Razor Blade]

Unless you're using advanced tools to share resources (networking, drives, etc) between your main PC and the VM it is pretty much about as isolated as it can be... If you're going to do strange things in a VM I would suggest disconnecting networking capability to the VM and not sharing resources with your main PC.

 

Also even people that do know what they're doing sometimes slip up. If you're just trying out software without installing it on your main PC, that's one thing. If you're playing around with viruses and malware, that is a totally different thing. If you're doing the latter just make sure you back things up and be prepared to hose your main PC if you forget something or get careless.

 

EDIT: Also make sure you have anti malware and anti virus on your main PC. It isn't an excuse to be careless, merely a layer of protection that could help save you.

Edited June 24, 2018 by Razor Blade

[Psittac]

ok thanks, I just want to torrent on a VM

 

I'm starting to learn about networking now though and dabbling with VM's.  I've got several computers and want to do something with them for fun

[Mikensan]

If it's a risk then make sure you don't bridge the networking - have it behind a NAT or another virtual machine that's a firewall. Placing a "risky" box of any kind (virtual/physical) on the same subnet as your personal devices is risky business.

 

I would say a majority of viruses aren't going to break out of a VM, but they do exist. However a lot will scan the local subnet for other machines to spread to. Targeted attacks (somebody hates you) then it's good luck.

[DogKnight]

For torrenting, I do not think you need to take any excessive steps. A VM should be fine. Just make sure you have anti-malware software checking any files you download. 

 

If you want to make a very strong isolated VM, there are several guides online for building VM's for the puspose of detonating malware. Do a search for these.