New Virus Jumps From PCs To Mobile Devices

The Mobile Antivirus Researchers Association (MARA) announced a new virus that can move from PCs to mobile devices. A text file that comes with the virus says it is a proof-of-concept but hints that others will follow, saying “now it’s one big world open to all.” On a PC, the virus replicates repeatedly and copies itself into the registry, eventually affecting performance. The virus transfers itself to mobile devices through ActiveSync, Microsoft’s application that synchronizes data between computers and portable devices. When the virus reaches a mobile device that is running Windows CE or Mobile OS, it deletes all of the files in the My Documents folder. MARA will provide the virus code to antivirus companies and security experts.

PCWorld, 28 February 2006