1
Say I have a live Linux distribution (e.g., Slax or Tails) on a USB stick. Can a machine somehow memorize that such OS was used and when?
Curious
Posted 2019-03-17T11:01:08.430
Reputation: 21
Can BIOS record live USB usage?
Answers
2
Is it possible? Yes. Is it probable? No.
Although I dont know of any particular BIOS that records booting off USB in its logs, there is no technical reason it couldnt. I also see that as a security feature that some would want, so I would think it would exist somewhere. As for logging which OS was booted, that is far less likely, but still technically possible.
In terms of security and privacy, using a computer that is, or has been, out of your complete control is a risk. You do not know what the hardware or software is doing.
Keltari
Posted 2019-03-17T11:01:08.430
Reputation: 57 019
My MacBook records in NVRAM the name of the last 10 distinct volumes it booted from. What other systems do idk but certainly some do. – lx07 – 2019-03-17T16:50:09.213
@lx07 interesting. I did t know Macs did that. Well there is one example. – Keltari – 2019-03-18T16:48:03.943
Welcome to Super User! Are you asking specifically about the BIOS, or are you curious whether a computer in general could in theory record "live OS" usage, even if it was confined to removable media? – bertieb – 2019-03-17T11:09:11.917
To further @bertieb's question - are you looking to take a "screen capture" of the session, or are you asking if the system records the fact that it booted from a USB device, possibly with additional information like the distribution? – Attie – 2019-03-17T11:42:44.243
Bios, No, UEFI, possibly. – Moab – 2019-03-17T13:12:25.707