The Computer Virus That is Puzzling the Internet | BadBIOS

Summary

The video explores the mysterious origins of BadBIOS, alleged to be the world's first computer virus capable of spreading through the air. It analyzes the controversial claims made by its supposed discoverer, including its ability to infect any operating system and transmit wirelessly. The script examines the technical feasibility and limitations of such malware, the skepticism surrounding its existence, and the divided opinions it has generated within the tech community.

Takeaways

• 😱 The story of BadBIOS - a mysterious computer virus allegedly able to infect systems without internet access
• 🤯 Claims to be the first ever computer virus that spreads through sound/air
• 😶‍🌫️ Originated from well-known hacker Dragos Ruiu noticing strange activity on his devices
• 😵 Very technically complex and contradicting story that left many scratching heads
• 🫣 Spread through high frequency sounds played by speakers and picked up via microphones
• 😬 Capable of persisting even after wiping systems clean by hiding in BIOS/UEFI
• 🤔 Highly controversial - some believe it, others call it an elaborate hoax
• 🤨 Lack of evidence and high complexity lead some to believe it doesn't actually exist
• 🕵️‍♂️ Audio transmission has technical flaws making malware very impractical
• 😐 Remains an unsolved mystery whether capabilities are real or an exaggerated hoax

Q & A

What is BadBIOS?

BadBIOS is a mysterious and controversial computer virus first reported in 2010. It allegedly spreads through sound and is able to infect the BIOS of computers, making it very difficult to remove.

How does BadBIOS allegedly spread?

According to reports, BadBIOS spreads through high frequency sounds transmitted from an infected computer's speakers. Nearby computers with microphones can pick up the sounds and become infected.

Why is spreading through sound controversial?

Spreading through sound is controversial because sound waves are susceptible to interference and degradation of data. The feasibility of transmitting malware this way is debated.

Who first reported BadBIOS?

BadBIOS was first reported in 2010 by Dragos Ruiu, a well-respected computer security expert and founder of the Pwn2Own hacking competition.

Why can't anti-virus software detect BadBIOS?

If real, BadBIOS infects the BIOS/UEFI rather than the operating system or programs. Anti-virus software scanning those layers wouldn't detect it.

How could BadBIOS bypass air-gapped computers?

If real, experts theorize BadBIOS initially infected air-gapped machines via USB drives. Once infected, it could potentially spread via sound.

Why is there skepticism about BadBIOS?

There is skepticism because the technical feats claimed seem far-fetched. Also, no samples of BadBIOS code have been analyzed publicly.

Could BadBIOS be an elaborate hoax?

Some believe BadBIOS could be an elaborate hoax or prank, given the seemingly outlandish claims and lack of hard evidence made public.

How difficult would it be to create BadBIOS?

Experts estimate it would require millions of dollars and many years for even advanced hackers to develop malware as sophisticated as claimed.

Is there a way to fully protect against BadBIOS?

No security measures can fully protect against it if real, but keeping BIOS/UEFI firmware updated and avoiding suspicious devices can help.