can u get viruses?
2006-12-28 06:34:51 · 5 answers · asked by Anonymous in Computers & Internet ➔ Software
If you are talking about an actual zip file (as opposed to a self-extracting zip file or a compressed file with another extension) there is a minimal chance for damage. US-CERT has reported potential buffer overflow problems in the native MS and Apple zip extraction programs but these have both been fixed.
Having said that, all the files inside a zip file could contain all sorts of malware. Furthermore, some incidents have been reported where an improperly constructed zip file prevented some virus scanners from scanning inside the zip file. So to be safe, always scan files after you extract them.
You might also consider going to an open source compression program such as 7zip.
2006-12-28 06:53:37 · answer #1 · answered by Dave P 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No, not just from a zip file lying around. They can have a virus inside, but you need to uncompress the archive, and then have one of the inside files executed. Or force the system execute the zip file, I suppose.
But otherwise, that virus will remain inert.
2006-12-28 14:43:39 · answer #2 · answered by csanon 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Of course, you need to virus scan all zip files before you open them
2006-12-28 14:37:43 · answer #3 · answered by snvffy 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, you can archive any file, even a virus!
2006-12-28 15:07:54 · answer #4 · answered by Michael M 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
you can get a virus if you dont run virus check on them befor you open them . not just virus >>>trojan>spyware>adware>
malware>keyloggers as well
2006-12-28 14:38:03 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋