Fight the wireless virus

Though not as rife as those affecting computers, mobile phone viruses still pose a threat to consumers.

Technology comes with its fair share of misery and mobile phones are no exception. In fact many consumers are unaware of the many viruses that can affect their cellular devices.

"Ever since Cabir, the first mobile virus that surfaced two years ago, hackers are increasingly attempting to harm mobile device users by coming up with new viruses that affect their operating systems," says Talal Eid, Communications Manager, Nokia Middle and Near East.

Serious issue

"Nokia takes this issue seriously, especially when it comes to enterprise devices or devices mainly targeting the business sector. The company offers special anti-virus software through the Finnish company F-Secure for its Communicator line of mobile devices," he says.

"Motorola users do not suffer from viruses because the current Motorola operating system - Synergy - is extremely secure, as is the Linux system used by a number of our handsets," says Harout Bedrossian, Product Marketing Manager for Motorola mobile devices in the Middle East, North Africa, Turkey and Pakistan.

Though mobile phone viruses aren't as common as those affecting computers, they do pose a threat to consumers.

"Commwarrior is a virus that has different variants, which will send a message to all numbers in the affected device's phonebook. Other examples of viruses include Lasco and Skulls which affect other operating systems such as Linux, PalmOS (operating systems) or Windows Mobile," says Eid.

Sandeep Saighal, Sr. Manager Sales and Marketing, Telecommunication Division, Samsung Gulf Electronics, says, "Samsung has its own software which does not get affected by viruses. The only software that gets affected by viruses is the Symbian OS which is not available on Samsung phones."

"Nokia pays close attention to the virus issue as it offers antivirus software in its devices. For instance, business users are keen on having antivirus applications in their mobile phones in order to protect sensitive data," says Eid.

Security solutions

"The Nokia 9300i supports third-party security solutions, including antivirus.

"As prevention is always better than cure, consumers are strongly encouraged to make sure to have reliable antivirus software on their mobile handsets," says Eid.

Another point of concern when it comes to mobile phone viruses is Bluetooth technology which, despite being a useful and popular connectivity feature, can be used to infiltrate mobile phones and affect their operating systems.

"One should enable Bluetooth only when needed. In fact Bluetooth should be disabled when not in use. When it's necessary to keep the Bluetooth turned on, try keeping it in invisible mode. Secondly, one should not accept a file via Bluetooth unless it's expected from a known source," says Eid.

Shared networks

"Downloading from sharing networks carries risks as well. It is best to only download games, applications and programs from well-known websites.

"It would be best if users scan downloaded applications for viruses on their computers as well because some antivirus programs do detect cellular-phone viruses.

"Finally, unexpected files should not be installed, as some viruses are programmed to send themselves to all numbers in the affected device's phonebook," says Eid.

"One should avoid sharing memory cards. Finally it is advisable to download an antivirus program on one's mobile phone for protection against growing new viruses on mobiles," says Ganesh Iyer, Marketing Manager, Cellucom.