Some issues related to spyware

I have following questions.

Is it possible for spyware or any other software to install without user initiation and notification ?
I have dual boot(windows 7 and 8), is it possible that any spyware(or virus) in one OS also works in another OS too ?

John Watson

Posted 2013-02-26T20:02:13.467

Reputation: 287

2The answer to both of your questions if of course its possible, infact, its the case for most infections. If you suspect your system is infected wipe it and reinstall the operating system. – Ramhound – 2013-02-26T20:18:40.767

Answers

Q1: Certainly. In fact it is now very common. A common vector now is from rogue adverts on web pages exploiting vulnerabilities in the browser or in Flash/Java plugins.

Q2: Also yes. Cross platform tools such as Java and Flash are commonly compromised. It is less likely that malware will target more than one OS but it is certainly possible. There is also malware related to JavaScript and to things like Microsoft Office.

Even when malware is not cross platform, it is still possible for it to travel across OS's by changing files.

Julian Knight

Posted 2013-02-26T20:02:13.467

Reputation: 13 389

1.Spyware is designed to spy in stealth that's why it's known as a spyware. It won't inform you that it's there. 2.All spyware is backward compatible so if it will work in win32 and Win64 Windows7 and it will also work on Win8

Cyrus Dan

Posted 2013-02-26T20:02:13.467

Reputation: 1