[♆ ∂їş†∪яßΣ∂ ♆]

So I'm pretty new to everything here, I have 1 question: when I am doing my stuff (for example: binding stuff to things), should I be doing it in a virtual machine? To insure myself if I mess up not all is lost?

Virtual machines are very useful.

It pretty much shows you what would happen if you put a virus, RAT or anything on another computer.

I wouldn't say that you should use it when binding files, as that is usually safe.

But things such as viruses, RATs, Keyloggers, anything that looks shady can be tested on a VM. 🤝

[Masked]

So say I wanted to open a suspicious file (a zip), would it be better to do it in VM. The reason I ask is because someone I know sent me some programs in zips, but I don't 100% trust it. Hence why I ask this question.

Opening a suspicious file is something you shouldn't do, but it'd be safer to open it in a VM instead of on your actual desktop.

Although there's still plenty of methods that can get you infected even if you're running the executable/suspicious file in a VM. But you lower the risks by running it through a VM or by a SandBox.

[♆ ∂їş†∪яßΣ∂ ♆]

Opening a suspicious file is something you shouldn't do, but it'd be safer to open it in a VM instead of on your actual desktop.

Although there's still plenty of methods that can get you infected even if you're running the executable/suspicious file in a VM. But you lower the risks by running it through a VM or by a SandBox.

^ This.

Make sure you have a working, fully functional AntiVirus on your actual computer.

Even if you're running the file inside a VM, some malware can "break containment"...

If you are too unsure about doing this, you can always scan the files themselves on an online AV scanner such as VirusTotal. 🤝

[Masked]

Okay thanks a lot for the help! I've decided I'm going to be setting up a virtual box, but I am unsure. Are there any good tutorials for this on HF?

You need to download a virtual box software, such as VMWare Workstation, Virtual Box VM or something else, then you need to download a disk image of the OS you wish to install (ex. Ubuntu, Windows, etc) then just click "create new VM" on your virtual box, and select the file directory of your disk image, configure settings - and you're set.

You can find lots of disk image files on official sites, if not just use a torrent site.

EDIT: I found a tutorial for you on how to set up a VirtualBox VM; hackforums(dot)net/showthread.php?tid=203882

[ProfessionalTEMP2]

Does it matter what VM you use?
What one would you suggest for beginners?

It shouldn't matter. Look up some tutorials on Youtube.

But make sure you download a legit version of a VM from their official website.

[♆ ∂їş†∪яßΣ∂ ♆]

Does it matter what VM you use?
What one would you suggest for beginners?

People say that Sandboxie is better with security, however I see nothing wrong with VirtualBox. 🤝

[♆ ∂їş†∪яßΣ∂ ♆]

There are no ways for viruses to escape from VM. I launched 9999+ viruses/worms/trojans and even ransomware on VM. And none of them are on actual computer. I dont know why ppl think malware can escape VM. Thats IMPOSSIBLE.

I'm pretty sure it's not impossible, some forms of malware can "escape".

This is usually bad luck or a glitch with the VM that passes certain connections over to the host OS.

Again, it is very rare but can happen. 🤝