Passwords on a live DVD

[nuxem]

While I have security on my mind I will also ask this question.

I have used a mint live DVD for a while now and I have never been asked for a password, I believe that this is normal for a live DVD. I was just wondering if this means that it is more likely to get infected in a live session than with an installed version of mint, (even though the infection should disappear on turn off). I'm assuming that malware can take advantage of the lack of passwords.

[ninomrki]

I don't think you can infect a live DVD since there is nothing you can actually store on the live DVD itself any more

[eanfrid]

Live-DVD are read-only media actually used indeed as secure self-contained environments that cannot be altered.

Some malware might however alter the BIOS or corrupt the HDD but this would be the case from any malevolent software you run on the host by any means.

[nuxem]

OK, thanks.

But would it be easier for malware to get to the bios as their is no password required.

[eanfrid]

No. OS passwords basically only (try to) protect OS user account contents from prying eyes and integrity of the running OS.

Edit: BTW there is a root password on a live-DVD, even foiled with automatic logon when opening an initial session.

[nuxem]

Thanks eanfrid.