Looming Love Bug?

Soon, PCs won't be the only target of viral attacks. The idea of an "always connected" future could present some practical problems. Any device with memory capabilities that interacts with software is susceptible to a hacker's challenge. If security systems aren't able to keep up with emerging technologies, users may find that their wireless devices are left eating the worm.

Nextel
Total Hold Time: 5 minutes
Transfers/IVR Layers: 2
CSR: Hello. This is (name) speaking. How can I help you?
WR: I saw on the news last week the coverage on the Love Bug virus. Could that happen on a Web-browsing phone or a PDA?
CSR: On Web-browsing phones? Ummm ... that's a good question.
WR: Since they're used to access the Internet, does that mean they would be vulnerable to a virus?
CSR: Right. OK. I'll put you on hold, and I'll find out for you.
WR: OK. Thank you.
(On hold).
CSR: OK. I'm told that it wouldn't happen.
WR: Why not?
CSR: They have a security system in place for that. I know that there is a feature on my phone that screens for messages like that. It won't even let you open the messages.
WR: Really? Did you receive Love Bug messages on your phone?
CSR: No. I didn't get any messages like that.
WR: That's good. That's what I'm worried about happening now.
CSR: I think they all have some sort of virus protection on their servers so when e-mail is accessed through them, a virus can be detected before damage happens.
WR: Wow! It must be better than what the computer systems have in place then. (Laughs.)
CSR: I'm not saying that (laughs), but it's secure and compatible. I do know that much.

Southern LINC
Total Hold Time: 1 minute
Transfers/IVR Layers: 2
CSR: Good afternoon. This is (name). How can I help you?
WR: I had a concern about the Love Bug virus. Is it possible to get a virus like that on my Web-browsing phone?
CSR: To get what? A virus? No. There shouldn't have been a way that you could have gotten it on there, but if it was, we cleared that up last week. It should have been cleared if you got it.
WR: So you did have problems with the virus on the phones?
CSR: Well, with our system, but not with the unit itself. I haven't heard of anyone calling and saying that they got the virus.
WR: How is it not possible since you use it to access the same information that's on a computer?
CSR: Well, we have a system that filters out any viruses before they get to the unit. Are you having a problem with your phone?
WR: No, I just thought I should watch out for bad e-mails and files on my phone.
CSR: No, you should be OK.

Sprint PCS
Total Hold Time: 1 minute
Transfers/IVR Layers: 2
CSR: This is (name). Can I help you?
WR: I was wondering if my Web-browsing phone could catch a virus like the Love Bug?
CSR: No. Your phone can't get a virus — it's not possible.
WR: But it's used to access the Internet and that's where the virus attacked last week.
CSR: If you log in, your cellular phone serves as the modem to your laptop, not as a computer itself. The cellular network is different than the one on the Internet now, and that's why your phone can't carry the virus.
WR: And it can't transfer over to my phone from the laptop?
CSR: That's correct.
WR: Does the phone have built-in virus protection?
CSR: Well, you have a different network for your cellular phone — it's CDMA. That's the difference from a normal PC that can catch a virus quickly.
WR: So CDMA technology prevents virus attacks?
CSR: Correct. When you normally connect your phone to your laptop, are you connected or are you browsing?
WR: I'm browsing.
CSR: Then you'll be fine. Nothing is going to happen.
WR: When I'm browsing, aren't I also connected to the network?
CSR: Yes, but through the laptop so there's not going to be a problem. The laptop will protect the phone from any virus.

Mystery Caller is Wireless Review's ongoing series of random calls to service providers to determine how a customer might be treated and the accuracy of distributed information.