Mobile Phone Technologies – Cabir Virus Threat

Discovered in June 2004, the creator of Cabir, the first known virus to be spread through mobile phones, sent the virus to companies who create anti-virus mobile phone technologies, almost as a warning that mobile phone viruses are possible.

Cabir, a harmless worm, is the first mobile phone virus. Since no actual infections of Cabir have been reported, mobile phone technologies experts say that the virus is nothing that mobile users need worry about. When phones are infected, the screen will display the word “Caribe.” The worm will launch and attempt to spread copies of itself to nearby mobile phones every time the phone is switched on. Since the user of the mobile phone that the virus is attempting to infect would have to agree to accept a file from an unknown source, the spread of an infection is unlikely.

Mobile phones with Bluetooth technology are the only target of the Cabir virus.

Although the Cabir virus was benign, those who work with mobile phone technologies and who understand viruses, now know that code exists that is able to infect mobile phones. Harmful viruses could be created that could wipe out contact information or data stored on mobile phones.

Just like PCs, experts say that the day will soon come when mobile phones need anti-virus protection. Mobile phone technology of the future will most certainly include firewalls and anti-virus software.

Also see; free cell phones.

Author Notes:

Jack Adams contributes and publishes news editorial to http://www.cell-phones-n-plans.com. An wireless resource featuring cell phone manufacturers, reviews and comparisons of various cellular providers and their phones.