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For Smart Computing MagazineTrouble May Be Calling

Computer viruses, once the bugaboo only of unprotected PCs, have found a new breeding ground in cell phones that combine PDA (personal digital assistant) functions with wireless access to the Internet.

Several manufacturers, including Kyocera, and Samsung have released the hybrid devices which can make phone calls, manage appointments, and even play a hot game of golf. One of them—the Nokia 7650—can even take your picture!

The upside of the cell phone/PDA morph is consumer convenience — who wouldn’t love carrying one less gadget. The downside is an open door to the dark side of the Net — computer viruses.


Mikko Hypponen, manager of anti-virus research at Finland-based F-Secure, says “The dangers of cell phone viruses are almost identical to the ones on typical Windows desktop systems today, with the added catch that if the malicious program is capable of making phone calls it can either generate costs to the infected user, income to the author of malware, or both. ”

The threat to the new cell phones — many of which incorporate the Palm Operating System — is due in part to their ability to download third party software, and to receive e-mail attachments. And, as phones become more sophisticated — meaning more computer-like — the more inviting a target they are to virus attacks.

If you own a cell phone/PDA hybrid, should you be worried about nasty critters lurking inside?  Maybe. We take a look at the potential dangers, current problems, and how you can stay protected. . . . .
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