Topic: Smart phones and viruses

[cb650]

What prevents them.    I recently bought a not so smart fone but it is internet capable.
does it need protection or what?

[Jerry Rxman Griffin aka MuthaF'er]

Viruses, protection?? You sure you're talking about a "phone"?  Naw. If you don't go online then even if that crap was out there you wouldn't have a problem. I have a block in place on my internet capable dumb phone. No one can send me pictures/media and I can't get online by mistake now. Can get kinda expensive if you don't have the expensive plans. I did not block texting in case I need to rapidly get in touch with the teenager. I use google/voice as my free texting on the computer and can make free phone calls though my gmail account. Comes in handy when I'm low on minutes or want to call Seaweb in Canada for free.

[boatsdickson]

Good point Jerry but dont think that was the answer cb was looking for  . Im curious too, are the internet traveling phones shipped with an antivirus program on board or is that handled by the carrier company?      Boats 

[cb650]

So far the only thing I've used it for on the net is to check my mail and weather.
Tried here but to much of a hassle but maybe after I get more used to it.

[Bob Wessner]

http://technology.inc.com/2010/03/22/cell-phones-a-security-risk-to-your-business-2/

As the phones are used for more an more financial activity, they will attract the attention of the dark side.  They go where the $$ is.

[strtlegal]

Smart phones dont really have anti-viral software.  The processors and memory arent really up to par for what would be needed to run it.  if you are on a public wifi, like in Starbucks, dont buy anything... people with knowhow can trace your purchase and get your credit card info.  As far as Virus' go, there nothing you can do if it runs a version of Android or Windows (which are the most common  OS's to write virus' for).   

[flybox1]

I have an android (HTC Inspire), and use AVG's Mobilation app, which scans any new downloads before they are installed. 

AVG Mobilation Free combats viruses and malware, and also provides loss and theft protection through the ability to track and control your smartphone remotely if you should become separated from it.
you can locate, lock, or wipe your phone with this app. 

find a good app for backing up your data (Ti Backup) if your phone crashes(saves to micro sd card)

and a password protected storage app (Pocket) for your important data.

[Really?]

Security on phones and tv's n stuff are an emerging market.  Where I work, they have been talking about it for years.

[strtlegal]

Apple products very rarely get virus'....just a though from a fan boy. 

[tramp]

getting a smart phone soon
i was wondering if they could get a virus
probably safer to do money transaction over regular computer with protection

[Stev-o]

I've had Blackberry's for years [free from employer] and never had a virus.
Never click on those emails that offer low cost pharmaceuticals!

[Really?]

Time to switch Stev-o.  I sooooooooo hate supporting those things.

[CBGhia]

If you have a "feature" phone rather than a smart phone, then you have nothing to worry about. 
Even if you have a smartphone, just don't download crap.  If it has less than 1000 downloads in the Android Market or Apple app store or Blackberry App World, then don't bother with it.
You can't get a phone virus from an email. 
If you are logging into a secure website fro a feature phone, you will have encryption so no worries. 

[cb650]

OK thanks everyone.  Dont use it enough anyway just was wondering.