A Bigger, Better, Cell Phone Virus

By George Agathos
Photo & Technology Editor

Yet another cell phone virus has hit the airwaves, and this one actually stands a chance to spread. Unlike the previous cell phone virus, which took several months to spread to the US, this one is not limited to bluetooth transmissions- meaning, it can be transmitted over regular messages- using the same system that newer phones use to send multimedia content like pictures and ringtones.

The virus, called CommWarrior, originated in Russia.  It is sent to a mobile phone either by the Multimedia Messaging System (MMS) or through bluetooth from phones in proximity.   It affects phones running the Symbian 60 series operating system (again).  Upon infection, it sends itself out to the contacts stored in the phone's address book as well as continuously searches for a bluetooth device nearby to infect.  There is no destructive behavior associated with the first strains of this virus, aside from network congestion and battery drainage.

The virus requires that the recipient accept the file, so those who are expecting it have a chance to avoid it.  This may not prove to be effective in curbing the spread of the virus, however, since most of the messages will come from phones on the user's contact list- meaning that the messages will appear to be from friends and acquaintances. 

Being the second of such viruses this year, CommWarrior reinforces the idea that an era is beginning in which all electronics will have to be built with security in mind.  

Next stop: Toaster viruses.