Washington — Early this month, several Web sites began offering software promising ringtones and screensavers for certain cell phones. But those who downloaded the software found that it turned every icon on their cell phones' screens into a skull and crossbones and disabled their phones, so they could no longer send text messages or access calendars.
Security experts dubbed the virus Skulls and consider it an early warning from hackers of the damage they could do as they turn their malevolent talents from computers to cell phones.
"Hackers are simply trying to put it out there that it can be done," said Vincent Weafer, senior director of security response for Symantec, a security software firm. "The motivation is to say (cell phones) aren't as secure as you think."
Mobile phones are a tempting target because they have become so much a part of everyday life. In addition, consumers are buying "smart phones" with Internet connections that provide an easier pathway for cell-phone infections. Few phones now in use come equipped with anti-virus protection, although some companies are starting to install it. Most cell phone users aren't on guard for viral infections like those that periodically bring down computers worldwide, and at this point there is little they can do to protect themselves.
"The impact is potentially larger on the phone because we're not savvy about that," said Victor Kouznetsov, senior vice president of mobile solutions at McAfee, a security software firm. "Also, the profile of a mobile society is a cross-section of society who are potentially less (technically) savvy than computer users."
Most basic phones can send and receive text messages, which makes them vulnerable to some attacks. And new ways of using cell phones encourage the spread of viruses. For instance, cell phones can transfer infections when users participate in a dating service that allows them to contact strangers in the same room via text messages or play online games.
The potential for trouble increases with smart phones. Like a computer, the newer phones can run e-mail programs and download PowerPoint slides, games and other applications that can come with viruses attached.
Furthermore, existing anti-virus software for computers hasn't been programmed for cell phones.
"By 2006, cell phone viruses will be what viruses are on the Internet in 2004," said John Pescatore, an analyst with Gartner, a technology research firm.
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