News

Symbian virus invented; nobody infected, but Bluetooth implicated

by John Leyden | posted on 13 January 2005

Virus writers have created a mobile phone worm theoretically capable of spreading via either Bluetooth or by attaching itself to files. The use of two spreading tactics by Lasco-A is common in the world of Windows viruses but previously unheard of in mobile phones.

The virus Lasco-A targets smart phones running Symbian Series 60 smart phones. Users shouldn't be too concerned: there are no reports of the virus in the wild, so the risk is low.

The Lasco worm spreads by attaching itself to SIS (Symbian Installation System) files, potentially allowing it to be spread when users exchange games, or by replicating over Bluetooth connections much like worms such as Cabir. Lasco-A is based on the same source as Cabir-H and is very similar to it apart from the SIS file infection routine, according to anti-virus firm F-Secure.

Original story copyright The Register.