Mobile Phone Virus Protection

What is a mobile phone virus?

A mobile phone virus is similar to a computer virus. You all know what a computer does and what those viruses are capable of. A mobile phone virus is specially designed for it and it spreads from one vulnerable cell phone to another.

Viruses now-a-days are quite advanced than the initial periods of its history in cell phones. They can corrupt your important data or simply erase it, if it has infected your phone. The latest viruses are capable of sending fake messages or even spreading by itself through the mode of bluetooth. The current security risk has increased to a considerable level than it used to be 4-5 years back.

Today many smart phones or PDAs are in use, and users of these phones are regularly exchanging executable or other vulnerable files increasing the risk of being infected. The cellular industry takes the threat of viruses very seriously and is continually monitoring its networks and working to protect users from any future risk from new viruses.

Common modes of spreading of viruses:

• Bluetooth
• MMC Card
• Internet

How to protect your phone from viruses:

1. Always keep your bluetooth switched-off unless required. Or it is preferable to keep your handset to hidden mode unless you need it to be visible.
2. by chance you have forgotten to switch-off your bluetooth, remember not to open any bluetooth messages or files sent by a stranger or an unknown source. They are most likely viruses.
3. Only download content from trusted sources. Trusted sources include operator portals and other well-known websites that offer adequate protection against viruses.
4. Always install an anti-virus software in your phone. Do not forget to keep it updated as new viruses and threats always arise.
5. Never lend your memory card to anyone. It might get infected if the person to whom you have lent you MMC has infected his phone and he/she inserts your card in his phone. Also remember not to insert someone else's MMC in your handset since there are chances of his MMC containing a virus or malware.