Europe Fights Mobile Malware

Maricelle Ruiz — Wed, 27 Jun 2007 12:10:00 GMT

Just when we thought our computer antivirus would protect us from anything out there…the mobile virus made its grand entrance into Europe. Police started to investigate and recently detained a prolific, mobile-virus creator. Information on the modus operandi of mobile hackers and tips to avoid their traps has been released to nip this challenge in the bud. Although they concur that this criminal activity is still not widespread, experts also agree that it shouldn’t be underestimated.

“Viruses are not harmless pranks; they cause real harm disrupting business and personal communications as well as destroying and stealing sensitive data,” says Graham Cluley, senior technology consultant for Sophos, an IT security firm. “The computer crime authorities around the globe are becoming more experienced at tracking down hackers and virus writers, and malware authors should be asking themselves whether it’s really worth taking the risk.”

After an investigation spanning half a year, Spanish police have detained a 28-year-old man accused of creating more than twenty “Leslie” viruses, reportedly affecting the high-end devices of more than 100,000 people. Millions of dollars could have been lost as a result of the viruses, reportedly named after the suspect’s fiancée. Police have seized computers, mobiles and other high-tech devices to build up their case.

The “Leslie” viruses resembled malware affecting the mobiles of hundreds of people attending the 2005 IAAF World Championships in Athletics in Helsinki, Finland, and devices in Northern Spain. The ‘Leslies’ spread through Bluetooth, manipulating infected devices to send multimedia messages to contacts in the phone agenda as well as in the call and incoming messages lists.

This particular malware came with pornography, ring tones, sports news, chat applications and even antiviruses, and manipulated devices to transmit costly phone messages or caused phones to run out of battery. However, experts report that malware may also come with pictures and video clips; replace system applications; and make screen text unreadable, among other criminal activity.

To protect mobiles, telecom and technology companies recommend that users equip mobiles with antivirus protection and firewalls; or run applications to revamp already affected devices. These programs are available online or at an operator. Companies also advise users to accept ONLY content from a known source, through Bluetooth or Beam infrared technology. Users should deactivate the technology when it is not in use to keep phones from receiving messages containing malware.

Internet security firms also report a fight against multilingual mobile spam within the continent.

The wild hunt for e-evidence in high-profile cases

Maricelle Ruiz — Fri, 04 May 2007 15:39:00 GMT

Even if you’re really mad…it may not be such a good idea to hack, that is, to illegally access another’s computer. The pursuit of electronic evidence to reach beneficial divorce settlements and close lucrative business deals was reportedly out of control in some United Kingdom circles…until law enforcement officers decided to look into the activities of a well-known heir. After being questioned by the police, the heir and his detectives recently ended in a London Court.

US banking heir Matthew Mellon is charged with conspiring to cause unauthorized modification of computer material. He allegedly hired a UK detective agency, which reportedly used a computer virus to hack into his wife’s computer in search of financial information during divorce proceedings. Mellon’s now ex-wife – Tamara Mellon – is the head of fashion company Jimmy Choo. Matthew Mellon denies any wrongdoing.

“The agency carried out the usual things like tracking people down, looking for information for solicitors. They also had a lucrative sideline involving hacking into people’s computers and tapping into their phones, which is illegal in this country,” prosecutor Miranda Moore told the Court, according to The Guardian, during the case against Mellon and the UK firm involved in the alleged plot. The company is accused of using viruses, among other methods, to obtain data to enable clients to reach beneficial divorce settlements and close lucrative business deals. It also denied wrongdoing.

The use or attempted use of e-evidence in divorce proceedings is not a new occurrence. In the US state of Florida, a wife reportedly installed spyware on her husband’s computer and later tried to use information obtained in divorce proceedings. She was not allowed because Florida bans the interception of these communications. However, in New Jersey, a wife was granted $7,500 during divorce proceedings after her husband wiretapped her computer to keep track of her transactions and emails.

IBLS Speaker's Corner : cybercrime

Europe Fights Mobile Malware

The wild hunt for e-evidence in high-profile cases