okfine
Diamond Member
Hardwired over wireless?
Yes.
Ever been infected with malware?
Yes. A devastating virus in the past and it wasn't from a wireless device. It was from a floppy. Way back in the day when Windows for Dummies was on the shelf.
IMO, a wireless USB dongle can't be trusted. I would never plug in an unknown or used dongle.
But what about a new one?
Maybe if it's Bluetooth I would consider it, but not one for a wireless keyboard or mouse. They use low level RF architecture and can easily be hacked. Especially in public. Recently a guy at work bought a "brand new never used" out of the box Logitech wireless keyboard/mouse combo for his personal use. He plugged in the dongle and surprise, Windows Defender instantly picked up a severe worm virus and quarantined it. Removed the dongle, ran a full virus scan and found no issues.
Our IT guy swears the USB device itself was infected and our equipment is out of any radio range. Who knows, but the device is gone.
Yes.
Ever been infected with malware?
Yes. A devastating virus in the past and it wasn't from a wireless device. It was from a floppy. Way back in the day when Windows for Dummies was on the shelf.
IMO, a wireless USB dongle can't be trusted. I would never plug in an unknown or used dongle.
But what about a new one?
Maybe if it's Bluetooth I would consider it, but not one for a wireless keyboard or mouse. They use low level RF architecture and can easily be hacked. Especially in public. Recently a guy at work bought a "brand new never used" out of the box Logitech wireless keyboard/mouse combo for his personal use. He plugged in the dongle and surprise, Windows Defender instantly picked up a severe worm virus and quarantined it. Removed the dongle, ran a full virus scan and found no issues.
Our IT guy swears the USB device itself was infected and our equipment is out of any radio range. Who knows, but the device is gone.