Theoretical Question - Backups and Malware


  1. Posts : 147
    Windows 10 Pro
       #1

    Theoretical Question - Backups and Malware


    Only today I started reading about Storage Spaces in Windows 10.

    My question at this stage is theoretical. If I set up a backup program of my data or even image my operating system to another physical drive, is there not the real risk that malware within my operating system then spreads to the backup drive therefore rendering the backup data or image either infected or in the worst case following a failed recovery, useless.

    I don't know how Internet Security suites operate in relation to constantly updating and scanning new web pages, downloads or applications, if we are not doing this on demand. In my case the only way I can be certain to the best of my ability is to occasionally do a full scan. Also the possibility of hidden malware in the system...
      My Computers


  2. Posts : 42,734
    Win 10 Pro (22H2) (2nd PC is 22H2)
       #2

    The image file is a compressed copy of the used part of the partition(s) imaged. So if those partitions are infected, the image contains data related to that infection, but should have, of itself, no other impact on your backup drive.

    Clearly if you were to restore the image of your infected drive, the restored partitions would still be infected in exactly the way they were when you created the image.

    Storage space can be difficult for a few (I've no idea how commonly it's used) in respect of..
    - one drive failing
    - transferring the storage space from one PC to another
    - being still accessible following a feature update (upgrade)

    See the very few threads on this topic on the forum.
      My Computers


  3. Posts : 2,539
    Windows 10 Pro 64bit
       #3

    The third party program Macrium Reflect has Image Guardian which theoretically will prevent malware from writing to the backup drive thus protecting your backups/images.
      My Computer


  4. Posts : 5,442
    Windows 11 Home
       #4

    System backup is an overkill, it is meant for the maintenance in case of a hardware failure, since it will not protect your files and you can be never certain, they are clean. You should focus on files instead. Like online backup services, which can restore previous file versions, some offer an unlimited history.

    5 Best Backups for File Versioning - BestBackups.com
      My Computer


  5. Posts : 31,468
    10 Home x64 (22H2) (10 Pro on 2nd pc)
       #5

    "The..." paid for version of the "....third party program Macrium Reflect has Image Guardian...".

    It's not included in the free version.
      My Computers


  6. Posts : 2,539
    Windows 10 Pro 64bit
       #6

    Bree said:
    "The..." paid for version of the "....third party program Macrium Reflect has Image Guardian...".

    It's not included in the free version.
    Thanks Bree, I was sure it was in the free version too but I’ve now checked & it isn’t.
      My Computer


  7. Posts : 147
    Windows 10 Pro
    Thread Starter
       #7

    Clearly if you were to restore the image of your infected drive, the restored partitions would still be infected in exactly the way they were when you created the image.
    I suppose no one can walk on water... I would also imagine that not all Internet Security suites pick up the same malware so it depends on what you are using.

    File Versioning looks interesting. I must look into this further.

    "The..." paid for version of the "....third party program Macrium Reflect has Image Guardian...".
    All good things come to those who pay...

    I have never used Storage Spaces in Windows 10 but may just test it at some point in order to get an understanding of it.

    I also have never used RAID or RAID 1.
      My Computers


 

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