Virus Encyclopedia

Welcome to the Virus Encyclopedia of Panda Security.

Bios

Threat LevelLow threat
DamageHigh
DistributionNot widespread
Common name:Bios
Technical name:HackTool/Bios
Threat level:Medium
Alias:not-a-virus:PSWTool.Win32.Bios
Type:Hacking Tool
Effects: It allows to carry out dangerous actions for the victims of attacks. It does not spread automatically using its own means.
Affected platforms:

Windows 2003/XP/2000/NT/ME/98

First detected on:April 26, 2005
Detection updated on:July 6, 2005
StatisticsNo
Proactive protection:
Yes, using TruPrevent Technologies

Brief Description


Bios is a hacking tool. These are programs designed to enable malicious users to cause or facilitate action detrimental to the target computer.

However, under certain circumstances (for example with network administrators), they could be used to check the security status, possible attack channels (in order to minimize risks), etc.

These tools, even though they are not by nature viruses, are considered as dangerous to victims of attacks.

Bios does not spread automatically using its own means. It needs an attacking user's intervention in order to reach the affected computer. The means of transmission used include, among others, floppy disks, CD-ROMs, email messages with attached files, Internet downloads, FTP, IRC channels, peer-to-peer (P2P) file sharing networks, etc.