I had asked this question on ITSecurity @ Stack Exchange also. There may not be may linux distro users in ITSec, but obviously there are many here. So, I think that it might be appropriate to put that question here also. Please tell me if you disagree.

Original question at - <https://security.stackexchange.com/questions/33017/using-linux-to-combat-windows-flash-drive-malware>

**Question is -**

I just put an old flash drive which i used with a windows machine into my linux. I noticed many files, mostly exes which were never visible in windows (my windows does not hide hidden files and extensions). Most of those strange files had malware like names. I changed the properties of these files so that linux would allow me to delete them. It worked and now the drive seems to be fully clean.

If a windows malware in a flash drive can hide itself from windows, can it also hide itself from linux ? If not, then cleaning windows malware on a flash drive becomes easy.
Are there any dangers/problems in this strategy ?