Trojans on mobiles on upward trajectory
Trojans on mobiles on upward trajectory
Apr 26, 2005: Over the last three months, viruses found on mobile phones have risen at a surprising rate in terms of technology and range of infection, according to a recent report by Trend Micro.
Trend Micro is a Japanese based organisation that provides network antivirus and Internet content security software and services around the world.
It was first discovered in June 2004 that mobile phones are not immune to malware programmes, but the first mobile virus, SYMBOS_CABIR.A only spread through Bluetooth-enabled phones and did not manage to penetrate the mainstream systems.
However, during the first quarter of 2005, new technology trends, including ten new mobile malwares, boasting new techniques, have emerged within three months.
According to Trend Micro: "Mobile phone vendors currently provide repair techniques, for phone functions, but no Trojan removal services are offered. As a result, the risk faced by phones lacking antivirus software increases day by day, especially for those equipped with Bluetooth.
"Mobile malware trends indicate that the wireless domain is currently becoming the battlefield for malicious attacks. Just recently the first mobile Trojan to terminate antivirus software appeared on websites offering free downloads."
The viruses that Trend Micro has found include SYMBOS_DREVER.A. This is first the first mobile phone malware to overwrite antivirus applications.
It disguises itself as a free antivirus programme or game to steal the user's confidential information.
On January 10th, PE_VLASCO.A became the first virus to simultaneously attack computer systems and wireless devices. Once the window system is infected, SYMBOS_VLASCO.A then attacks Series 60 mobile phones and either replaces applications with new ones, or stops other from operating as normal.
There are others too, but Trend Micro suggests seven steps for dealing with these viruses. These are: be careful what kind of files you accept via Bluetooth; if you are infected, turn off your Bluetooth functions immediately; delete messages from unknown senders; do not install programmes you know nothing about; only download ring tones and games from official sites; Delete infected programmes and reinstall and install a mobile security antivirus programme.
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