BIOS and Rootkits in a PC running 2 different Operating Systems?
| April 17, 2010 | Posted by computer accessory under BIOS |
Two different OS are running in my computer; Linux (Fedora) and Wondows Vista.
Does deleting Kernal-mode rootkits detected in the Windows has any affect on the RK existance in the Fedora through the BIOS?
Another Question: I am going to install a registry clearner, is that recommeded after using an antirootkit?
Linux will be completely unaffected by anything you to the Wondows.
Linux and Wondows, use _very_ different kernels. In fact, they use a completely different kernel architecture — Linux is a monolithic kernel and Wondows is a "hybrid" kernel. In other words, a Wondows rootkit, by design, cannot attach to a Linux kernel. It’s possible _in theory_ to write such a rootkit, but it would be _very_ complex.
I am not aware of any way the BIOS would come into play here. The last time there was a major attack on the BIOS (that I know of) was the "Form" virus, in the 90s, which would infect the boot sector of floppy and hard drives.
Running a registery cleaner after an antirootkit is probably safe, although you should back up the registry before you even think of running such a program. My limited experience with cleaners is they change too many things without telling you and more often then not, cause some pretty nasty damage.