Jururawat Masyarakat

Smart phones, cell phones, and handheld PCs can also be infected with viruses but it is not as widespread as you may have heard reported, but the problem is on the rise. Your mobile device can be infected when you download programs or files that are already infected. In the case of mobile phones, that might mean downloading photos, video clips, ring tones, cell phone themes, or other programs.

Mobile viruses can also spread through cell phones that are equipped with Bluetooth, a technology that allows you to transfer data between different devices, such as sending photos from your cell phone to your printer or transferring addresses stored on your device. If you have Bluetooth enabled on your mobile device and in "discoverable mode" (see the manual that came with your device for more information), and you come within 30 feet of another infected device that also has Bluetooth enabled and is running the same operating system as your mobile device, then you might get infected.

The following are some tips to help protect against mobile viruses:

Only download or accept programs and content (including photos, video clips, ring tones, mobile device themes, and games) from a source you trust. Our recommendations mentioned for safe computing, also apply when you surf the Web, send e-mail, or download programs using a mobile device. If you don't know whom an attachment is from or if you weren't expecting it, do not to open it or download it at all.

If your phone is equipped with Bluetooth, turn it off or set it to non-discoverable mode when you're not using it. Only accept incoming data from a source you trust. For more information, see the instructions that came with your mobile device.

If your phone is equipped with Infrared beam, only allow it to receive incoming beams when you're receiving data from a source you trust.

Download and install antivirus software for your mobile device.

Remember to treat your phone or other handheld device as carefully you would your wallet, especially in places that are prone to theft.

Lock or protect your mobile device with a password, so if you do lose your mobile device, a thief will have a more difficult time using it to make phone calls or access personal information you may have stored on it.