I've got a virus on my mobile phone!

Q: I think I have a virus on my mobile phone. What can I do?

A: I heard this question a few times the week. Commwarrior, a mobile phone virus that spreads through MMS and Bluetooth, a popular wireless network, seems to be making the rounds in Dubai once again. It can drain your credit by hijacking your MMS system, and of course, infect your friends and family. The only good thing about Commwarrior is that it is preventable. Here, thanks to TrendMicro's Samir Kirouani, is how to protect yourself.

1) Make sure your Bluetooth is in "hidden" mode. This will prevent infected phones from locating you in an attempt to spread the virus. Since Bluetooth is still on, you will be able to use any ear pieces or other peripheries connected to your phone.

2) If Commwarrior does attempt to access your system, you will actually be prompted by your phone for permission to install the virus. Never, ever, give an unknown application permission to access your phone.

3) If you do get infected with Commwarrior, the best way to fix it is to find a store that carries anti-virus software for mobiles phones. You can also download the software. Try checking TrendMobile, Symantec or McAfees. Be sure your mobile is supported by the software before you buy it. Also consider getting a subscription to the software, so your phone is protected against future attacks.

4) Hopefully, removing the virus will be enough, but it is possible that critical files on the phone will be damaged. The anti-virus software won't be able to fix that. At this point, you may have to consider having the software reinstalled (a process called reimaging) on the phone, but beware, reimaging could cost more than the phone itself.

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