Mobile security firm NetQin has apparently found a malware spreading via Symbian S60 handsets that is being used to build a mobile botnet.
The company has identified three piece of malware masquerading as mobile games or special offers, infecting Symbian S60 3rd and 5th edition devices. Their estimate is that around 100,000 handsets have been infected and could be used to form a mobile botnet.
The malware will either send messages to all the contacts of the address book directly, or send messages to random phone numbers by connecting to a server. As expected, you won’t see those messages as they will be deleted from Outbox/Sent and SMS log.
Symbian Foundation reacted by revoking the Symbian Signed certificates used to sign the malware. They also said there is no evidence that the malware is using handsets in a botnet. Moreover, they described the threat as “very minor.”
Nevertheless we advise you to check your monthly phone bill and see if your phone sends more messages than you do…
[Via: V3.co.uk]