Cell phone virus - Tilted Forum Project Discussion Community

stevo · 02-21-2005, 07:28 AM

How much of a threat do cell-phone viruses pose to the US? I just read this article today and it would suck if my phone got a garbled up with a virus. Who would pay for something like this. Would your carrier reimburse you if a virus spread across their network and wrecked your phone, or would you just be SOL?

Quote:

Monday February 21, 08:42
Mobile phones in US infected by virus
(by Natalie Novak)

A new mobile-phone virus was found in one of the US cellphone stores last week as a warning sign that virus-writers got accustomed to cell phones and will soon be able to destroy programs in mobile phones.

The virus, called Cabir, was found in a technology gadgets store in Santa Monica, California on Monday, when a passing techie spotted a telltale sign on the screen of a phone in the store. There were two infected cellphones in the store – both Nokia.

Cabir was invented in Philippines and began to travel around the world some time ago, having settled in at least twelve countries before it got to the US. Earlier, it already damaged so-called "smart phones" in up to a dozen countries, using Bluetooth wireless technology to spread from phone to phone.

The virus was found in at least 15 variations and continues to improve. So far it drains mobile phones batteries, said Mikko Hypponen, director of Finnish anti-virus research company F-Secure. “It’s not the end of the world,” that it was found in the US, he added.

The virus is spread in different countries through travelers that take their phones with them.

Cellphone virus threat became substantial since the technology is developing rapidly. “Skulls” virus aimed at advanced mobile phones was sent to security firms in November as so called “proof of concept.”

http://www.financegates.com/news/wor..._20022005.html

TheFrogel · 02-25-2005, 03:24 PM

That's some weird stuff; I know my computer really well, and there's methods of protecting the computer, and if viruses get it, chances are, it's my fault; something I downloaded or a visiting "bad" section of the web. But a cell phone virus, with nothing you can really do about it...that sucks. I wonder if soon cell phones will come with antivirus software for an additional $5 a month; another way for cell companies to make money. But then again, I could just be being cynical.

vinaur · 02-25-2005, 05:17 PM

Best anti-virus for a cell - less advanced cell.

PayUp · 02-25-2005, 06:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheFrogel

I wonder if soon cell phones will come with antivirus software for an additional $5 a month; another way for cell companies to make money. But then again, I could just be being cynical.

First thing I thought of.

02-25-2005, 03:24 PM	#2 (permalink)
TheFrogel Tilted Location: Pennsylvania	That's some weird stuff; I know my computer really well, and there's methods of protecting the computer, and if viruses get it, chances are, it's my fault; something I downloaded or a visiting "bad" section of the web. But a cell phone virus, with nothing you can really do about it...that sucks. I wonder if soon cell phones will come with antivirus software for an additional $5 a month; another way for cell companies to make money. But then again, I could just be being cynical.

02-25-2005, 05:17 PM	#3 (permalink)
vinaur Insane	Best anti-virus for a cell - less advanced cell.