Can a mouse be infected with a virus?

https://www.pcmag.com/news/endgame-gear-gaming-mouse-installed-xred-malware-on-pcs

Hello,

I think a mouse can become infected just like any other device or piece of hardware. Probably the most common way is by downloading malicious software online, but it can also happen if the mouse is plugged into an infected device or used on an infected computer.
This reminds me of a recent event involving this gaming mouse 🙄

https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/news/security/endgame-gear-mouse-config-tool-infected-users-with-malware/

The best way to protect yourself against this type of threat is to avoid downloading any suspicious software from unknown sources and always practice safe browsing habits when going online. Additionally, make sure you always have antivirus software installed on your PC which scans all devices connected to it before they’re allowed access. Finally, never share your mouse between different computers, especially if you don't know how safe they are, as this increases the risk of introducing an infection into your system.

Regards

I have a slightly different perspective on this.

A basic, generic USB mouse—such as the Microsoft Basic Optical Mouse—does not have onboard storage or a traditional operating system. It is designed solely to send movement and click signals via the USB HID (Human Interface Device) protocol. Because it lacks writable memory or the ability to store files, it cannot be infected with malware in the same way that a USB flash drive or more complex peripheral might be.

Where the difference lies, as you’ve mentioned, is with the firmware. Even a simple USB mouse contains a microcontroller with firmware that controls its behavior. While it is rare, it is technically possible—although very difficult—for someone with deep technical knowledge and physical access to reflash or replace that firmware with malicious code. However, this is far from common and not something typically seen in everyday malware infections.

Now, older mechanical mouse from the 1990s, such as those with a trackball (which are mostly considered outdated technology but are still available and can be used if desired), are purely hardware-based devices. They do not have firmware or digital components that could be modified or compromised, making them essentially immune to any form of infection.

So, your view is quite accurate: unless a mouse has updatable or vulnerable firmware—and unless someone deliberately exploits that—it is not a realistic pathway for spreading malware. In most consumer scenarios, basic mouse are safe and pose no threat.

Regards

Yes, the software can detect malware on a USB mouse if it's present, and a full system scan will include those devices. Bitdefender's real-time protection and on-demand scans can identify and neutralize threats on any connected USB device. The antivirus also features a USB Immunizer, which can prevent autorun malware from infecting your computer through USB devices.

All comments

https://www.pcmag.com/news/endgame-gear-gaming-mouse-installed-xred-malware-on-pcs

Hello,

https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/news/security/endgame-gear-mouse-config-tool-infected-users-with-malware/

Regards

I have a slightly different perspective on this.

Regards

Precisely, let's not forget about the classic ones. This one should be safe. 😃

Gjoksi

Hello.

When i had a PC, i always bought mouses from trusted brands, like Logitech or MS, and they never failed me.

Regards.

So, you no longer use a mouse now? I mean, my laptop also has a touchpad, but I'm more comfortable with a mouse.
I use one from MS, nothing fancy, but it does the job pretty well and I like its shape, it's the most classic mouse shape ever. 🙂 No usb dongle.

Gjoksi

It was year 2004, when i bought my first laptop.

Since then, i no longer use a mouse.

Hi @Alexandru_BD @Flexx

This is the mouse I'm referring about: https://www.newegg.ca/microsoft-d66-00069/p/N82E16826105164

Can this mouse be infected?

Hi @Alexandru_BD

Does bitdefender protect against an infected mouse? Does bitdefender scan all the USB devices not just flash drives for malware?

If you would plug in an infected mouse in a PC that has bitdefender on it would bitdefender detect and block that threat?

Hi @Flexx

This would also apply to USB keyboards I assume? If a mouse can get infected then a keyboard as well?

The Microsoft D66‑00069 Optical Wheel Mouse cannot be infected with malware. It is a straightforward hardware device with no firmware, onboard storage, or processing capabilities that could be targeted by malicious software. It connects via USB (or PS/2 with an adapter) and operates entirely through your computer’s drivers. Any potential security risks would stem from the computer itself, not the mouse.

Regards

https://community.bitdefender.com/en/discussion/comment/355931#Comment_355931

https://community.bitdefender.com/en/discussion/comment/355934#Comment_355934

I dislike using the laptop touchpad—I still rely on my wireless optical mouse, or sometimes a wired USB optical mouse, as they make navigation much easier than the touchpad.

Regards

Yes, you’re correct. Just like basic USB mouse, most standard USB keyboards don’t have storage or an operating system—they simply send keypresses to the computer. Because of this, they can’t carry or spread malware like a USB flash drive might.

That said, some keyboards do have firmware that, in very rare cases, could be reprogrammed by someone with advanced skills and physical access. Also, certain keyboards with extra features like onboard memory or special lighting could have a bit more risk, but these situations are uncommon.

Overall, for everyday use, standard USB keyboards are generally safe and not a typical way for malware to spread.

Regards

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6K-ATmU-NbU

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IrXLRxSsMbs

Since we are talking about malicious hardware, this reminded me of an insidious hacking device that can do a lot of damage. I read about this a few years ago and did a bit of research to spot the clues that expose this type of fake cable. Be careful where you purchase your charging cables from. 🙄

Gjoksi

Speaking of mobile charging cables, if you don't want to take the risk of getting infected, you should go with Anker, never got any bad experience with their cables.

Also, you’re not really supposed to use an Apple charger to charge an Android device, or vice versa—even though both use a USB-C port, lol. But I still do it sometimes, lol 😂

Regards

Force of habit, if you switched from Android to iOS 😄

😂

Hi @Alexandru_BD @Flexx

Does bitdefender detect when you insert a infected mouse/keyboard?

When you run a system scan does this also scan USB mouse and keyboard?

Hi @Alexandru_BD

Can a laptop's touchpad and keyboard get infected with a virus?

I assume a custom scan would just like systemscan also detect malware on a USB mouse? Does a quick scan also scan USB devices?