Be aware of Mobile Virus

December 2, 2007

Like computers, mobile phones are also getting attacks by virus. Mobile viruses are in the form of executable files which are unnecessary for mobile’s operations. The files infect or destroy a device and then it moves gradually to other handsets. Internet downloads, Bluetooth transfers and Multimedia Messaging Service (MMS) attachments are the main causes for these virus infections of handsets.

Another popular way of getting mobile virus is downloading infected files from a PC through online to the handset unknowingly. In recent days, handset-to-handset infections are quiet common. These viruses initially target the Operating systems of mobile phones. Symbian is a popular mobile OS. As soon the OS gets attacked, your frequently used applications will be spoiled. It is not advisable to have more proprietary OS in handsets.

Most users suffered through infected text messages. These infected messages may steal the main subject line of a received message. When you receive an e-mail through your handset, be alert about the attachments. If you download or install an infected program or file from the attachments erroneously, you are a primary cause for getting virus infections to your handset.

Smart phones are mostly getting virus attacks as they transfer files through dangerous Bluetooth. While you download your favourite ring tones or wallpaper from internet, there are more chances to download infected files in addition to them. Never prefer add-on or linked sites to download ring tones or images. You can view false security patches even in Symbian website.

The main reason to get virus attacks over Bluetooth connection is keeping the device in discoverable mode. If you use this mode to transfer files, other compatible devices will be seeing it. That time they can spread virus files in purpose to destroy your mobile phone’s functionalities.

Most of the virus files are attached with MMS. When you receive a MMS, you will also get infected files. You will not get infected by opening MMS. After installing the infected files in your handset only, you will get virus attacks. Suppose an infected file is installed in your program unknowingly, then that file will get into your handset’s contact list and automatically send the infected file to each and every contact number that you stored in your phone book.

How to protect your mobile phone from virus attacks?

• Never install strange files which you haven’t requested from anyone.

• When you transfer ring tones or wallpapers or images through Bluetooth, never choose “discoverable mode”. It is recommended to choose ‘hidden’ mode while transferring files. You can choose this option from Bluetooth menu.

• Read lots of magazines about mobile viruses. They list out the name of the latest virus names frequently. Therefore you can keep an eye on those names. While you receive files in those names, simply omit or delete them. Otherwise browse some security website to update virus information’s.

• Choose ideal anti-virus software and install it. You can download those software from manufacturer’s website at free of cost.

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