From a cyber security perspective how hazardous are random mini PCs from Ali Express/Amazon if you are starting with a fresh OS install?
From a cyber security perspective how hazardous are random mini PCs from Ali Express/Amazon if you are starting with a fresh OS install?
For example I don't know if a cheap mini PC like the GMKtec G5 would be more likely to have firmware/driver related security flaws over a more standard PC like an older Dell Optiplex from Staples.
Maybe there is something else entirely I am overlooking. I'm not sure. Most of the complaints I've heard are in regards to mini PCs containing bloat and potentially malicious things installed.
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It's hard to tell.
You install your own windows? Do you really know if the pre-installed windows gets deleted?
You install your own linux? There is still the BIOS that could carry some unwanted "evil" software.
Then there is the possibility of unwanted "evil" hardware or firmware parts inside some of the chips...
You install your own windows? Do you really know if the pre-installed windows gets deleted?
This one seems to be easy to manage. Formatting the disc seems easy to do.
Deleting all existing partitions via the installer is already enough. Once a new partition is created, all files are essentially wiped.
Sure, repartitioning works too.
Once a new partition is created, all files are essentially wiped.
Partitioning does not wipe things.
It rewrites the partition tables, obviously, but no data elsewhere.
That's why I said "essentially". The data is no longer accessible by the system, which is all that's needed to prevent malicious files from being executed.
is all that's needed to prevent malicious files
Hmmm. So why do tools for "safe erase" even exist? ;-)