Is host system secure if VM os has virus or malware

[jasoncrab]

Hi everyone,

I am a newbie to parallels desktop and have some concern over the security of the VM. I just bought parallels desktop 4.0 and was blown away by how well is it integrated into Mac OS. However, I was concerned whether this tight integration would introduce a backdoor or security loophole that could allow virus/malware to access and harm the host system. I reason I use VM is to have an isolated windows xp and try out some virus infested apps.

 

[Bopanna I G]

Hello Jasoncrab,

Please note that there is absolutely no need to worry about the virus affecting Mac files.

As you have stated that you are trying some virus infested applications, it is better to isolate Windows completely from Mac.

To do that we need to disable Parallels shared folders, shared applications and shared profile.

You can check these links for information on how to disable those features:

http://download.parallels.com/desktop/v4/docs/en/Parallels_Desktop_Users_Guide/22694.htm

http://download.parallels.com/desktop/v4/docs/en/Parallels_Desktop_Users_Guide/23544.htm

http://download.parallels.com/desktop/v4/docs/en/Parallels_Desktop_Users_Guide/22690.htm

Thank you.

 

[WLutes]

Picking up this thread

I have a developer in our office that we're thinking of using Parallels to create development environments that essentially can 'blow-up' the environment if something goes wrong (the guest OS environment as a development sandbox sort of scenario). My question dove-tails on this one: If we're using the Workstation implementation (no Mac involved in this mix), will the guest OS infect the host OS environment if a virus or malware (rootkit in nature) enters the equation on the guest OS environment? Just trying to anticipate the potential fallouts from using it in this manner.

 

[jflor86]

Picking up on this thread (2)

Hello Parallels Team,

I am a newbie and about to purchase either a Parallels 8 or 7 for a new Macbook Pro.

Same question as Jasoncrab's, but assuming that I choose not to isolate guest Windows OS, will I now have to worry about host OS X from the usual Windows threats?

Put differently:
1. Having Windows as guest OS, will host OS X be able to identify (and take action) on Windows threats?
2. Does guest Windows OS bypass host OS X when executing its apps, or do apps of the guest Windows OS have to first pass through the 'gates' of host OS X before the apps are executed, and thereby 'arrest' any threat?

Pls excuse if these seem to be very basic questions. As a newbie, I've been doing quite some reading the past few days about Parallels and your answers will only help reinforce my decision to purchase your product.

Thanks in advance.

Jojo