Released: November 08, 2006

Spam, viruses threaten cell phone security

Source: Wall Street Journal [The State.com]

Sedef Onder, owner of an advertising firm in New York City, is losing sleep over spam. Late on many Friday evenings, her cell phone goes off, signaling receipt of a text message announcing the time and place of a hot club party evidently geared toward students.

Sometimes, the notice comes as a voicemail with a raspy male voice and techno music blasting in the background. “At least with e-mail, there is a junk mail folder,” said Onder, 42.

The indispensable cell phone is becoming more vulnerable. Both wireless carriers and traditional security companies are stepping up efforts to fortify what they say are hackers’ next big targets — the multipurpose cell phones and smartphones consumers keep glued to their hips.

The still-nascent threats are twofold:

• Mobile spam — an annoying interruption or, more seriously, a new tool for identity thieves — is growing more prevalent. The threat has been underscored by recent scams — sometimes known as “SMishing” — where spammers use text messages to trick users into disclosing personal information. In one recent attack, a message asking recipients to register for an online dating service attempted to sneak a virus onto users’ machines.
• In addition to virus-types like “worms,” which can spread through and disrupt a network, other scams are surfacing too — including mobile spyware that once downloaded to a phone can listen into conversations.

While instances of such threats are rare (there are more than 600 known computer viruses for every known mobile virus, according to Symantec) leading security companies are offering new technology for consumers wanting the added protection. The products are still in their early stages and are available only for certain phones and devices.

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