AUCKLAND, New Zealand-Anti-virus company SimWorks International said it discovered a new virus for mobile phones running the Symbian operating system.
The company said the new Metal Gear.a virus masquerades as the Metal Gear Solid game for Symbian devices. If a user downloads and installs the virus, it can disable anti-virus and file-browsing applications. The virus also installs another virus application called Sexxxy.sis that can propagate itself through Bluetooth connections. If installed, Sexxxy.sis can disable the Symbian application button.
SimWorks said the Metal Gear.a virus works much like the recently discovered Skulls virus, although it specifically targets anti-virus and file-browsing software in the phones. The company said the Sexxxy.sis virus works like the previously discovered Cabir virus, which also spreads through Bluetooth.
A Symbian spokeswoman reiterated the company’s previous statements on viruses. Symbian has promised to work with those in the industry to protect users against such viruses. The company also offers the Symbian Signed program that certifies applications as safe for phone users.
SimWorks said it has updated its anti-virus software for the Symbian platform to protect against Metal Gear.a and Sexxxy.sis.
Industry this year has witnessed several new viruses targeting the Symbian and Windows Mobile operating systems for smart phones.
