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How Is the Wii Protected From Viruses on the Internet?By Matt Fregoe, eHow Contributor
The Nintendo Wii gaming system offers not only online gaming capabilities, but also an available internet browser channel. Like any common Web-browsing experience, there can be the possibility of logging onto some malicious websites. The Wii video game system does not provide any direct anti-virus software, and neither does any third-party software production. What the Wii does provide is a safe system construction that severely limits the ability to get a virus or encounter malicious software from browsing the Web.
- Basics
The Nintendo Wii has a operating system all its own with a system that lets the user add different plug-in applications called "channels." Channels can only be downloaded and installed via the "Wii Shop" Channel, which is operated and run solely by Nintendo. With this sort of system, Nintendo keeps users safe by keeping track of all that can be downloaded to the system.
One of the downloadable channels is the "Internet Browser" application created by Opera, the same well-known browser application producer for personal computers. The Opera browser for the Wii allows users to browse the Web, but does not allow any files to be downloaded directly to the system. This security means that a malicious website would not be able to download content automatically to your Wii without your knowledge. The Wii system does not allow any uploading or downloading of files unless mandated by Nintendo's approval. Symantec, the company that created Norton Anti-Virus, made note in a 2007 report that although the Wii is a fairly safe system, it is still vulnerable to phishing attacks, as the opera browser for Wii does not support any anti-phishing software within its system.
Another reason that getting a virus on a Nintendo Wii is unlikely is the fact that the Wii runs on its own specific software. Most viruses or other malicious software is created specifically for a certain operating system. Since more people in the world use Microsoft Windows, most viruses are created targeting those users, due to Windows' popularity. A virus created for Windows computers would not work on the Wii system software. Creating a virus specifically for the Wii is not only time-consuming, but also has little incentive due to how few people the virus would affect.
Despite the fact that the Wii has quite a few ways to protect itself against malicious attacks, it still has some ways to be exploited. As the report by Symantec in 2007 said: "Symantec has recently been using the Nintendo Wii to demonstrate that the vulnerabilities that exist on one platform are very likely to exist to some extent on other platforms such as games consoles. Our Security Response Operations Team identified that there was a vulnerability within the Adobe Flash Player on the Windows platform. Then they demonstrated that it worked on the Macintosh, and then finally they attempted it with the Wii as well and we found that the Wii was just as susceptible to the same vulnerability." This report shows that while the Wii has implemented security on its own system it must take measures against third-party threats and Adobe Flash Player vulnerabilities in the future.
In 2009 a group of hackers took on the challenge of hacking into a Wii's system software and made a few discoveries. The first was an undocumented processor chip which was so secretive that even some Wii developers did not know its role in Wii security, a serious plus in keeping hackers out. To keep piracy at bay Nintendo has also released patches to their existing system of purchasing games legally running smoothly as well. Finally it was found that DVD playback was disabled on the Wii system but available to activate, although they brought up the issue with Nintendo, the Wii has yet to see DVD playback enabled. The hacking tests proved that Nintendo has not only thought of system security but made it a priority to keep users safe as well as their software, as it should be.
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Do you need a antivirus for the Wii?
No you won't need one since all the software goes through nintendo, so it's safe EXCEPT if you are using illegal software on a hacked wii, but then it's your own responsability
Can you get Internet on Wii if you don't have wireless Internet?
Yes but you need to buy an adapter for USB to Cable Internet for wii
Why do Wii need internet?
Because without the internet my dear fellow, wii would not have email, instant messaging, wikianswers, facebook, myspace, twitter, ebay, msn, google, yahoo!, aol, bing, youtube, or freecreditreport.com. THAT, is why wii need internet. Now if you are asking why the wii needs internet, it is because it allows you to get onto the internet on your wii, and you can download games onto your wii that you can play.
Do you need to buy Wii web browser?
You no longer need to buy the Wii Internet browser.
Do you have to have internet to play on Wii virtual console?
No. You need an Internet connection to buy the games from the Wii Shop channel.
How do you get the Internet on a Wii?
you need a wireless router
Can you use Wii fit pus without a Wii fit?
You don't need the original wii fit software but you definitely need the wii fit balance board!
Is the Wii Internet free?
Yes and no. The internet channel used to cost 500 wii points, so if you payed the 500 wii points (equivalent to $5.00), then the software did cost something to get on the internet. However, the internet on the Wii is either connected (usually wirelessly, but could be wired) to the internet source in your home. You are already paying for the internet, but you are just able to browse on the Wii.
Do you need internet for Netflix on Wii?
Because Netflix is a streaming movie service, your Wii must be connected to the Internet to use it.
Can you play burned Wii games on your Wii?
you need a software that burns and plays copied wii games
Do you need to have internet to get the Check Mii Out Channel for Wii?
You do... :)
How do you disconnect the Wii from the internet?
I need help to with this question
