Thread: Boot from write-protected USB?

If I boot some OS, such as Ubuntu, from write-protected USB,
does it mean that there is no any viruses,spyware and malwire which could
get to my USB stick in write protected mode?

How is it possible to make USB stick write protected if it doesn`t have
an original switch which allows to make it write-protected?

Originally Posted by Stanley514

If I boot some OS, such as Ubuntu, from write-protected USB,
does it mean that there is no any viruses,spyware and malwire which could
get to my USB stick in write protected mode?

It decreases the chances of it, but is not fool proof. So it's a pretty safe bet there would be no virus. There is no guarantee that there is not one, however.

Originally Posted by Stanley514

How is it possible to make USB stick write protected if it doesn`t have
an original switch which allows to make it write-protected?

By inserting your thumb drive into a computer, you can make it write protect temporarily in the command prompt. Once, removed and used on another computer, though, the drive will not be write protected unless you repeat the process. If you want a write protect drive, your best bet is to buy one.

It decreases the chances of it, but is not fool proof. So it's a pretty safe bet there would be no virus. There is no guarantee that there is not one, however.

If USB stick is in write-protected mode how spyware from Internet still cud get on it,at least theoretically?

By inserting your thumb drive into a computer, you can make it write protect temporarily in the command prompt.

How cud I be aware in it?Does it lights as a small blue ``lock`` icon on a keyboard?

Originally Posted by Stanley514

If USB stick is in write-protected mode how spyware from Internet still cud get on it,at least theoretically?

I don't think anyone should give too strong an answer on this one...

Originally Posted by Stanley514

How cud I be aware in it?Does it lights as a small blue ``lock`` icon on a keyboard?

You would be aware of it because the commands say so on the screen. Other than that, everything should look the same, generally.
You can do a google search for exact instructions for your hardware.

The most secure way to run a system is boot a system with no hard drive installed from a CD-ROM. If you are looking for a good system to try out, I would suggest Knoppix, it is made for this purpose and has most if not all the drivers your system will need. Despite this it is still possible to get a BIOS virus that would persist over a reboot, however that is a small risk. The nice thing about a system like this is that your system returns to a known good state on each boot which is why they are used for systems like kiosks.

boot a system with no hard drive installed from a CD-ROM

It doesn`t completely satisfies me because you cannot install even flash player on
CD disk, neither any plagins or pdf readers.

Originally Posted by Stanley514

It doesn`t completely satisfies me because you cannot install even flash player on
CD disk, neither any plagins or pdf readers.

You should google for something like "create custom live cd". You can repackage Ubuntu (or anything else) and then burn your spin to blank CD. You can do similar thing with Windows by the way.

On the dawn of flash drive era there actually were flash drives with RO switch. They almost vanished from market when 1GB flash drives were popular. You may still be lucky to find one of these on eBay.

If I boot some OS, such as Ubuntu, from write-protected USB,
does it mean that there is no any viruses,spyware and malwire which could
get to my USB stick in write protected mode?

If you actually boot from flash drive the only way it can be infected is to get infected from BIOS malware. Such malware is rear if present. You only should be sure that your drive is very first in boot sequence. That is there is no transition "infected HDD boot record -> flash drive boot record".

Also if your primary OS is Windows booting from linux flash drive is pretty save. Hardly any malware is cross-platform at that extent. That is your flash drive may get infected but your Linux we probably stay unaffected.

Also if your primary OS is Windows booting from linux flash drive is pretty save. Hardly any malware is cross-platform at that extent.

I already used Ubuntu in this way and already got some malware on my USB stick and now I cannot boot Linux any more. (I saw this malware).
Of course I could easily reinstall Ubuntu on USB stick,but I do not want to bother with such type of problems and wonder if write-protection option could save me.

I've just figured out what might be an appropriate solution for you.

Many memory cards still have hardware read-only switch. Memory card may be even more convenient for you if your laptop has a card reader. Otherwise you can find an USB card reader/adapter.