New "Crossover" Trojan first to infect PCs and handhelds
A new proof of concept virus called
"Crossover" has been created for Windows dektops and handhelds, designed to spread from your PC to your PDA
via ActiveSync. When run, the virus checks what OS it is running on, if Windows it waits for a sync to make its way to
a handheld, and once it detects that it's running on Windows Mobile it deletes the My Documents folder. We're
glad this is just a proof of concept for now, and just hope it stays that way.[Thanks, Jon]
Filed under: Software, Windows Mobile
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Dave @ Feb 27th 2006 4:03PM
Interesting proof of concept, but still limited to WM eh? Until this broaches the smartphone world and gets into the java/brew world (which probably won't happen given the locked-down nature of those devices and app environments), not a huge threat...
Kiteless Dragon @ Feb 27th 2006 4:57PM
Beh! Don't these people have better things to do than wire viruses!? No? Oh.. Well nevermind then I guess.
- Kiteless
E71 @ Feb 27th 2006 5:01PM
I really don't want to have to run an anti-virus app on my phone. Damn thing is weak enough as it is with an OMAP 850 hunk-o-junk.
alfie @ Feb 27th 2006 5:06PM
Proof of concept!? Unbelievable, Virus companies are actively trying to find ways to infect our phones so they can sell us anti-viral. *Fumes*.
Nelson @ Feb 27th 2006 6:26PM
"Proof of concept" ... You should also give cavaets on how to possibly prevent this.
i.e @ Feb 27th 2006 7:42PM
This is the main reason why I've been holding off on switching from uiq device to windows mobile
Logancreed @ Feb 27th 2006 8:52PM
This brings up some *really* interesting things that I never really thought of..... I was going to joke about my toaster getting a virus, but how far could this actually go? My wi-fi handheld scanners could all be infected by a virus. POS systems could be infected. Where does it end?
I know... a virus that infects your Lexus' GPS/Nav system and always gives you wrong directions. Viruses sponsored by companies? hmmmmm....
Alexander L. Belikoff @ Feb 27th 2006 10:08PM
It's great to know, Activesync is so forgiving to the rogue content. Maybe putting some safeguards ("An attempt is made to install a binary program/dll on this device. Allow/Deny?")
Donald @ Feb 27th 2006 10:37PM
Engadget made it more difficult to find the page to enter comments!