Virus invades cells through messages

A new mobile phone software virus started spreading this week via messages containing photos and sounds, the first of its kind and a threat ...

A new mobile phone software virus started spreading this week via messages containing photos and sounds, the first of its kind and a threat to cellphones globally, data security firms said on Tuesday.

The Commwarrior.A virus tries to replicate itself by sending multimedia messages to people on the phone’s contacts list, and also tries to do the same via Bluetooth wireless connections with other devices, eventually draining the battery.

Unlike computer viruses that spread quickly around the world via the Internet, mobile phone viruses have previously been limited by technology.

Story continues below this ad

Cabir, the world’s first mobile phone virus “in the wild”, has spread to only 16 countries in 6 months using Bluetooth connections.

But Commwarrior.A tries to send variously named multimedia messages (MMS) to phones running the popular Series 60 phone operating software by Symbian, security software maker Symantec said in a statement. If the user does not click and download the message the virus will not spread. “I do not think this particular virus will be a big problem, but it is the beginning of a new era,” said Mikko Hypponen, director of Finnish anti-virus research company F-Secure.

“It’s revolutionary as all previous mobile viruses have been spreading either with some other software or only within a limited area, using Bluetooth,” Hypponen added. —Reuters

Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addresses the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly, Friday, Sept. 26, 2025. (AP Photo/Richard Drew)

‘Did Nazis ask Jews to leave?’: Netanyahu defies genocide allegations against Israel

World7 hr ago

Netanyahu defends Israel's actions in Gaza, blaming Hamas for using civilians as shields. He criticizes world leaders for appeasing evil and condemns their condemnation of Israel. He addresses recent attacks by Hamas and vows to bring all hostages home. The conflict has led to thousands of deaths, according to Hamas-run authorities.

View all shorts

Live Blog

PHOTOS