Mobile Phone Virus Discovered
Published August 2004
Here's The Scoop
(Source: Net Security) - A mobile phone virus posing as a game is roaming file-sharing and software download sites, say security experts. The virus spreads through an adapted copy of the legitimate Mosquitos game. It only works on phones with Symbian's Series 60 operating system. Once installed, a hidden program sends SMS texts to premium rate numbers. It does not do damage and it is not widespread. But owners of infected mobiles may not realise they have it unless they check sent texts or bills.
It can be deleted easily, just like a normal game, although it is thought to be the first mobile virus designed to be malicious. The virus comes months after the first mobile virus, Cabir, was created as a proof-of-concept. It was spread via Bluetooth and was harmless. The Mosquito Trojan is malicious because it fires off the expensive text messages without the user's consent while the game is being played.
"It is the first we have seen in the wild - typically we see them in the wild then copycat ones come along soon after," Sal Viveros, director of wireless security at McAfee said. Once we are in the 3G world, we basically have a broadband connection, so phones will be closer to PCs in terms of functionality. He urged mobile operators to provide more security for people to prevent such malicious code getting onto phones.
Mobile users can also make sure they are only downloading from legitimate sites to avoid infection, he added. The game will only be installed if users ignore two warnings that flash up on the screen."These devices are getting more powerful memory and functions, and operating vendors are having more third party software applications with them," said Sal. "Once we are in the 3G world, we basically have a broadband connection, so phones will be closer to PCs in terms of functionality. "Having that connectivity historically leads to the spread of viruses."
Japanese mobile giant NTT DoCoMo recently announced it was planning to provide protection for its customers. It is the largest mobile network in the world with 46.6m subscribers.
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