Airborne Virus
Airborne Virus
Desktop PC's are no longer the only targets of unwelcome guests as handheld devices become increasingly enabled and interconnected. An airborne virus, as the name would imply, is a virus transmitted over a wireless connection. Airborne virus attacks have begun to infect personal data assistants, laptops and cell phones at an alarming rate and presently pose one of the biggest threats to home and business users using a wireless infrastructure.
Viruses use to spread much slower on PDA’s as they only spread through synchronization and usually anti virus software on the desktop PC would catch it. However, with new evolving technology such as the pocket PC offering its own processor, the breeding ground for viruses is now unlimited.
Virus writers aren’t wasting any time creating virus and Trojan horse programs for these new platforms. These malicious writers get their kicks out of cracking code in new technology and platforms. Also, it’s a right of passage in the cracking world to be the first to create and distribute the most memorable or destructive virus in the media.
This being said, home and business users will have to start using security tools on their wireless devices just like they do on their desktop computers. At this point in time, handheld security tools are in their infancy but they do exist. Just as their desktop cousins have already experienced, when the risks increase so do the amount of products on the market. In the meantime, shop around for new and proven products. Remember to be diligent with updates and scan regularly.
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