Re: Symbian S60/Mobile Security: Malware and Spyware attacks in the wild?

["Meenal Mukadam" <meenal.mukadam () gmail com>]

Hi Sven,

The answers are as follows:

- Why there are virus scanners for Symbian? Are they
useful? What countermeasures they implement? Or they make only the
vendors rich?

Ans: There are virus scanners because there are viruses, trojans and
other malwares for not only Symbian but even for java based mobile
operating systems. They are definitely useful, but to an extent. I say
to an extent because you need to have other preventive controls in
place and not just an antivirus. And bout making the vendor rich "we
the security professionals" already know the truth bout it....


- What are common attacks on Symbian based devices?
Ans: There are many worm, trojan and virus attacks that can be
launched on Symbian devices.


- How to harden a Symbian mobile phone?
Ans: Patch it with latest updates, don't keep bluetooth on or launch
your ad-hoc wireless when not required, have a good antivirus software
defending your device, always use a passkey for transferring data,
never set the bluetooth mode to grant access directly, verify your
applications before installing it on your device, etc.

- Are there malware and spyware in the wild?
Ans: Yes plenty....


- When I would download pirated software for Symbian, what is the risk?
Ans: Many pirated softwares are loaded with malwares (there aren't
many generous people out there!). These malwares can be then used for
spying, copying and transferring all your personal and professional
information (like contacts, schedules, pictures, text messages, call
records, yr notes, etc), all this information can be used, sold,
modified or even deleted permanently. And if such an information is
critical to you or to your Business then just image the risk
associated with it!


Regards,

Meenal A. Mukadam

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