March 18, 2006

Attack of the text messaging 'botnets'

cellphoneboogey.gif A botnet -- or robotic network -- sends an instant message to your smart phone, according to Physorg.com. "You think it is from a friend and open the IM. But it's not a chatty note at all, as the automated message fraudulently scans the system, looking for your credit-card numbers, bank-account statements and secret passwords. Physorg.com reports on the latest cell phone boogey man.

"Experts tell United Press International's Wireless World that computer criminals are now using these "botnets" to attack consumers and businesses via text messaging.

Researchers at Foster City, Calif.-based Face Time Security Labs this week identified the new threat, which they characterize as high risk.

... Researcher Face Time has identified more than 40 unique files, already, that are used for attacks via instant-messaging networks, including one that hides the stealth application in the systray under the heading "beh.exe." Be afraid.