Mariposa virus makes jump to mobile cell phones

[Elmore Furth]

Up to this point cell phones have not been the target of malware and viruses but that is apparently changing.

Cell phone spying software has been out there for some time and allows the hacker to remotely control the phone and its features, such as the camera and microphone. This spying software is promoted to “catch cheating spouses,” “bug meeting rooms” or “track your kids” and costs as little as $50.

http://www.bloggernews.net/124057

http://news.discovery.com/tech/cell-phone-malware.html

Earlier this month it was reported that the new Android-based Vodafone HTC Magic handset carried a virus on the memory card. This malware was initially discovered by Panda Security. Vodafone stated that it was an “isolated incident.” However, since then more cell phone virus infections have been reported.

According to Cnet, Panda Security has been investigating the recent cell phone infection incident in Spain. Several HTC Magic phones have been found to be carrying the Mariposa botnet virus. This virus latches onto a user’s computer and steals private credit card and banking information.

The alleged ringleader has been arrested earlier this month. However, the virus is still cropping up in various places. After Panda Security’s report, Vodafone Spain launched an investigation into the cell phone virus infections.

Panda Security has provided a downloadable vaccine that disables auto-run on your PC to prevent the virus from executing automatically. This nasty virus seems to latch onto any form of portable memory or storage. SD memory cards and USB thumb drives have also been infected by this particular virus. Currently, approximately 13 million PCs have been infected so far.


Mariposa virus makes jump to mobile cell phones

[smiley_glad_hands]

1. Yikes, as i read this from my droid. nt

[hlthe2b]

2. I have an older HTC mogul.... I'm assuming it is not affected...?

But, I guess I will download the "vaccine" regardless...