Mobile virus hits Britain

The virus, which has subsequently morphed into many different forms, originated as a proof-of-concept device, highlighting that such viruses are capable of spreading.

After winding its way across Europe from China via Russia anti-virus firm Kaspersky today (Tuesday) reported that a UK source had received the virus.

"Our UK support department has now had reports of Cabir," said David Emm, senior technology consultant at Kaspersky. "Looks like the virus is continuing to spread: this brings the tally to 10 countries."

Cabir spreads itself via Bluetooth connections, searching for phones with the roaming function switched on. To be activated it requires user interaction, acknowledging that the virus (which presents itself as "Caribe") can be downloaded.

Further mobile phone viruses that use the Bluetooth roaming capability have been developed, including a virus that replaces images on Symbian-based phones with skulls.

Last week SC reported that a new worm, Lasco.A, was the first to infect multiple mobile phones files.

www.kaspersky.com