Imagine what viruses or malware on a handphone could do potentially send out spam texts that infect other handphones, corrupt your contact lists, rack up your bills, and sending your photos to everyone in your phone book.
The first handphone virus wasn’t created until 2004, and then it was a proof of concept. Since then, most handphone viruses in circulation have targeted the Symbian operating system.
But as handphone usage grows, operating systems and applications are standardized, and handphones perform more daily tasks such as snap photo with cameras, and sending sms or email. They will be prime targets for increased cyber crime.
Recently, Spanish police in Madrid arrested a 28-year-old spammer on suspicion of spreading a virus that affected more than 115,000 high-end handphone. The investigation about the case had been ongoing for several months, and racked up millions of Euros in damage to handphone users and the service providers. This particular virus targeted phones running Symbian OS and Bluetooth, with messages claiming to contain pornographic material, sports news, or virus protection. Delete them if you suspect them. Avoid reading them.
