Experts warn of the next big virus threat

[Dee]

TORONTO - Virus experts are warning that the next big security threat is on mobile phones and that the attacks have begun in earnest.

For months, security researchers have been tracking how hackers were trying to take their exploits to a new platform and infect smartphones with malware that could remotely control the devices.

Earlier this week, Symantec released a report about the spread of an infected app called "Steamy Windows" on Google's Android platform. The simple but popular app makes it look like your screen is covered with steam, which can be cleared off with finger swipes.

Unknown hackers created a copycat version of the app, secretly loaded it with malicious commands, and released it to the web on unofficial app download sites.

It's not the first time such a threat has been detected, said Symantec's principal security response manager Vikram Thakur, but it's far more sophisticated — and successful — than what was previously spotted in circulation.

http://ca.news.yahoo.com/virus-experts-warn-next-big-threat-mobile-phones-20110303-113721-384.html

[DaveM]

You know what? Anyone who spends a small fortune to own the most advanced technology possible, then uses it to run software which makes the screen look "steamy" or what have you probably DESERVES to be hit with a malicious virus. Darwin triumphant!

Sadly, technology which has brought about the greatest advances in communication and productivity in human history is far more ofter used to cater to the wants of the too-easily entertained. T.S. Eliot of course wrote of the world ending not with a bang but a whimper. I submit that the whimper will instead be an armpit fart. And yes, there's an app for that.

[richthelandlord]

And yes, there's an app for that.



There's also a pretty decent audio-recorder built in for free with every smart-phone I know of (and all the iPods that aren't phones but can become phones in a hot-spot) so if you let loose a real Bronx cheer you can preserve it in all it's glory... or - if you're a native of Essex - use it as a ring-tone. :rolleyes:

[paularoid]

Makes me appreciate the fact that mine is a cheap, throwaway phone that has no ability to surf or send/receive attachments of any kind.

More correctly I should say it's inexpensive because it's definitely not "cheap". It's an "LG" and it serves it main purpose of making and receiving phone calls quite nicely - with NO contracts - and NO (or limited) ability to be affected by any of that nasty stuff.

[richthelandlord]

it serves it main purpose of making and receiving phone calls quite nicely - with NO contracts

That's by far the most popular kind here - effectively disposable, robust, and simple... you can find them for as little as £5 with no contract now... pay-as-you-go.

It amazes me (as an engineer) just how they've got that price down so low, while maintaining reliability... but they have. :)

[paularoid]

It amazes me (as an engineer) just how they've got that price down so low, while maintaining reliability... but they have. :)

Oh I'm sure that is all taken care of by the sale of minutes of access and use that you have to buy. Even with the double-minutes like I have it's a fair amount for however long. I don't use the thing much but I can easily see any number of people I know going broke from buying minutes all the time. Those are the kind of people you see that appear to have the phone growing out of the side of their head like a big permanent tumor. That's the latest form of a shopping accessory, shopping list. I see those people all the time who can't seem to shop at the grocery store (or anywhere else for that matter) without having that thing plastered to their ear constantly. I cannot believe the number of people that can't seem to drive without that d@mned thing attached to the side of their head while they're driving down the road. <shaking head in wonder>

[richthelandlord]

I cannot believe the number of people that can't seem to drive without that d@mned thing attached to the side of their head while they're driving down the road. <shaking head in wonder>

Likewise - despite the fact that here it's completely illegal to do so... trouble is it's very difficult to enforce because the person on the phone sees the cop & drops it before they have a chance to get a picture.

Something like one accident in four here is a direct result of people using their phone while driving...
That's before we consider the pedestrians flattened because they were texting while crossing the road, although at least Darwin tends to make sure there aren't many repeat offenders for that one.