Thanks to Donna for this one.
Anti-Virus companies are becoming increasingly concerned. Russian Anti-Virus company Kaspersky Labs have reported that a malware author attempted to sell them the source code to a Windows CE malware application, charged with opening an invisible backdoor directly into your PDA.
The code, named Backdoor.WinCE.Brador.a specifically affects Pocket PC 2003 devices, there is no information that it is able to infect Handheld PC devices however CE 4.x .net users could potentially be infected.

Crucially Backdoor.WinCE.Brador.a like the true virus code of WinCE/Dust.A - reported here on HPC:Factor earlier last month - is simply a concept application for how any future hostile application could wreak havoc on PDA devices. The Brador code itself doesn't have a delivery system (such as mass mailing or script infection) and so is unlikely to infect general users.
Of concern though is that with the increased media interest in the idea of a PDA outbreak, there is bound to be someone out there with the capability and intent to put on a good show for them.

HPC:Factor recommends that users look into keeping themselves safe in the event of an outbreak. Limiting direct Internet connections, disabling not needed WiFi and Bluetooth devices are good starts. Having a proper Anti-Virus application installed on your Host PC is advised. Network Associates McAfee Virus Scan 8 comes with a Windows CE / PalmOS / EPOC scanner included. Symantec's Norton Anti Virus does not have native PDA support, however do offer a stand alone product to protect some PDA types.

View: GCN