Mobile phone virus SMS.Python.Flocker 'headed for Australia'

[Robbo]

Source: http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/story/0,21985,24975113-5005961,00.html

 

A MOBILE virus that forces phones to SMS premium services is on its way to Australia - and one call can spread the virus. Anti-virus company Kaspersky Labs has identified a trojan known as SMS.Python.Flocker, which is spread by Bluetooth and text messaging and is already circulating in Russia, India and Indonesia.

 

It is expected to be just the first of a spate of mobile threats to emerge this year, with cyber criminals turning to phones now that people are more aware of PC threats and internet security.

 

A Kaspersky spokesman said it would only take one call to an Australian mobile from an infected handset for the virus to spread.

 

The virus code, written for the Symbian operating system used by most mobiles, secretly texts a premium number run by cyber criminals. That service then bills an amount ranging from 40c to 90c.

 

"You probably wouldn't question 90c or even notice it if you text a lot, but when this code infects thousands of phones it adds up to quite a bit of money," the spokesman said.

 

"The problem is many people keep their Bluetooth turned on and set it to allow automatic connections.

 

"People can avoid infection by turning off these settings. But the thing is they're usually on by default and some people don't check them."

 

There have been five variants of the virus since it began circulating a few months ago.

 

Older mobiles use relatively simple operating systems that are difficult to exploit because they do not have a wide range of capabilities.

 

But with the latest smartphones featuring internet access, Bluetooth and wi-fi connectivity, it means malicious code can more easily spread.

 

Australian software companies are planning to release anti-virus protection for mobile phones later this year.

 

The Kaspersky spokesman said one way to defy the virus was to turn off the Bluetooth function on a mobile when not in use.