Meridian Unplugged - Powered by MrTechGuy.co.uk Forums Discussion Meridian - Systems Viruses and Firmware

Gentlemen,

I have a barebones PC sat next to my G68 and G98 and they are both connected permanently to the PC via USB and Serial connections.

I`m just curious is it possible to get a virus from the PC into either the G68 or G98 firmware?

Would it be recommended to have these permanently connected?

I use the PC for playing MP3`s and downloaded movies through my M gear and of cause to set-up and calibrate the M gear.

Cheers

Mike

I wouldn't rule it out, but, would be pretty surprised since most viruses are targetted for specific weaknesses in operating software and apps.

I can't imagine many virus writers that would have thought to design something that seeks out the chips and firmwares etc within M's kit.

A different point perhaps worth considering is the various forms of noise and interference that you will get with a pc sat next to your gear.

My is very noisy with it's fans bussing etc, plus, they apparantly chuck out loads of noise back into the mains. Who knows, you may get forms of noise going through you connection also.

If you've never noticed a difference with the pc on or off, then don't worry. However, you might want to check it out.

Absolutely not, you will not get a virus on the Meridian equipment.

Mike

I might be a little more concerned about your Meridian gear giving your PC a virus!!!

Remember you can't get rid of a virus with antibiotics but a sprinkle of worming powder may get rid of worms.

Seriously though I normally leave my laptop permenently connected as I am always tinkering with different settings. You are not going to have a problem!!!

All the best Nick

In total agreement with Mr Mills - absolutely not !!

Rgds

George C.

Very appropriate for me to chip in. Most things are possible in the world of malware and if Mconfig can write to the firmware, so could an appropriately written virus. But as pointed out, who's going to write one targetting Meridian hardware?

Thanks Guys, I now feel a lot happier about having my computer permanently connected to my M gear and you have put my mind at rest.

NCPL (Nick), I don`t have my PC turned on when I`m listening to CD`s or DVD-A because of the fan noise (45dB @ 1 Metre) as you say, but this doesn`t bother me when listening to MP3`s Etc. as background music.

Many Thanks

Mike

I do Hope this has not put the idea into some fools head.

Cheers, Chris.

Hi Chris

I think such miscreants are unlikely to be hanging around here! Interestingly, there are reports that an increasing number of viruses are being written these days for criminal gain rather than for immature "look what a smart 16 year old I am" purposes. I'm sure VirusKiller can comment on that (if you know what I mean! )

Cheers

George

Not reports. If you have enough money, you can rent yourself an army of virus/bot writers.

Password stealing and the like is big and scary business now. Have you heard of the Bagel and Netsky viruses? What you probably didn't hear was that they were written by two competing, organized crime run, teams of virus writers. When one variant of Bagel was released, another variant of Netsky was release to counter Bagel...

Unfortunately for all of us it will get worse.