Ad: Manage updates with the Download App
ie8 fix

Games & gear forum: Console virus question...

by: pizzaboxmac93-23170347319901402425217868321081 February 16, 2010 1:01 PM PST

Like this

0 people like this thread

Staff pick

Console virus question...

by pizzaboxmac93-23170347319901402425217868321081 - 2/16/10 1:01 PM

Can a video game console (Wii, 360, PS3) get a virus? I am just curious. Thanks in advance.


Reply
Report offensive post
Email to friend

In theory

by Jimmy Greystone - 2/16/10 3:47 PM

In Reply to: Console virus question... by pizzaboxmac93-23170347319901402425217868321081

In theory it's possible, especially now that they all have hard drives. However, without the SDK used to make programs for the console -- which generally costs a couple thousand dollars -- it's not too likely.

It also wouldn't be too useful even if one existed. Game consoles tend to have single tasking firmwares. You can only run one program at a time, so viruses would be pretty limited in what they could do. They would probably be limited to "bricking" programs like you saw with the PSP until the discovery of the pandora battery.


Was this reply helpful? (0)   (0)

Staff pick

Reply
Report offensive post
Email to friend

The old XBOX

by R. Proffitt Moderator - 2/16/10 4:22 PM

In Reply to: Console virus question... by pizzaboxmac93-23170347319901402425217868321081

Was broken into by using corrupt font files so it is possible but unlikely. The roads into the gaming system world are very controlled so to get a virus in it would have to be an inside job or you doing something weird like they did with the xbox font files.

Bob


Was this reply helpful? (0)   (0)

Staff pick

Reply
Report offensive post
Email to friend

Thanks!

by pizzaboxmac93-23170347319901402425217868321081 - 2/17/10 3:23 PM

In Reply to: Console virus question... by pizzaboxmac93-23170347319901402425217868321081

I was just curious, with some consoles having web browsers in them.


Was this reply helpful? (0)   (0)

Staff pick

Reply
Report offensive post
Email to friend

More Discussions

Forum Icon Legend

  • UnreadUnread
  • ReadRead
  • Locked threadLocked thread
  •   
  •   
  •   
  •   
  •   
  •   
  •   
  • ModeratorModerator
  • CNET StaffCNET Staff
  • Samsung StaffSamsung Staff
  • Norton Authorized Support TeamNorton Authorized Support Team
  • AVG StaffAVG Staff
  • avast! Staffavast! Staff
  • Webroot Support TeamWebroot Support Team
  • Acer Customer Experience TeamAcer Customer Experience Team
  • Windows Outreach TeamWindows Outreach Team
  • DISH staffDISH staff
  • Dell StaffDell Staff
  • Intel StaffIntel Staff
  • QuestionQuestion
  • Resolved questionResolved question
  • General discussionGeneral discussion
  • TipTip
  • Alert or warningAlert or warning
  • PraisePraise
  • RantRant

You are e-mailing the following post: Post Subject

Your e-mail address is used only to let the recipient know who sent the e-mail and in case of transmission error. Neither your address nor the recipient's address will be used for any other purpose.

Sorry, there was a problem emailing this post. Please try again.

Submit Email Cancel

Thank you. Sent email to

Close

Thank you. Sent email to

Close

You are reporting the following post: Post Subject

If you believe this post is offensive or violates the CNET Forums' Usage policies, you can report it below (this will not automatically remove the post). Once reported, our moderators will be notified and the post will be reviewed.

Offensive: Sexually explicit or offensive language

Spam: Advertisements or commercial links

Disruptive posting: Flaming or offending other users

Illegal activities: Promote cracked software, or other illegal content

Sorry, there was a problem submitting your post. Please try again.

Submit Report Cancel

Your message has been submitted and will be reviewed by our staff. Thank you for helping us maintain CNET's great community.

Close

Your message has been submitted and will be reviewed by our staff. Thank you for helping us maintain CNET's great community.

Close

You are posting a reply to: Post Subject

The posting of advertisements, profanity, or personal attacks is prohibited. Please refer to the CNET Forums policies for details. All submitted content is subject to CBS Interactive Site Terms of Use.

You are currently tracking this discussion. Click here to manage your tracked discussions.

If you're asking for technical help, please be sure to include all your system info, including operating system, model number, and any other specifics related to the problem. Also please exercise your best judgment when posting in the forums--revealing personal information such as your e-mail address, telephone number, and address is not recommended.

Sorry, there was a problem submitting your post. Please try again.

Sorry, there was a problem generating the preview. Please try again.

Duplicate posts are not allowed in the forums. Please edit your post and submit again.

Submit Reply Preview Cancel

Thank you, , your post has been submitted.

> Click here to view your post. > Manage your tracked discussions. > Track this discussion. Close

Thank you, , your post has been submitted and will appear on our site shortly.

Close