Ask Jacob

Home » Resources » Ask Jacob » Is it possible to transfer a virus on a zip drive?

Is it possible to transfer a virus on a zip drive?

Monday, September 22, 2008 / Software

Is it possible to transfer a virus on a zip drive? We have a client who has brought in a zip drive with records on it but we want to make sure that we wouldn”t be inadvertently acquiring a virus?

It is always possible to get a computer virus from any form of writable media, whether it is a download or a Zip disk. In-fact the first viruses were transmitted via floppy disk. That being said, it is highly unlikely that the disk is infected, being that most modern viruses are made for the Windows OS. It is very difficult for a Mac computer to get a virus without the user intentionally installing a malicious program. Make sure that you open any file on the Zip disk via the application you are going to use it with, don’t just double click on the file on the disk. Also do not enter your system password unless you are intentionally installing something or editing your settings.

Care to Add Your Two Cents?