08-06-2004, 06:00 PM
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Swami
Join Date: Feb 2004
Posts: 4,303
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Infosync World Editorial: Immunizing the Handheld
"To date the number of actual malware programs for handhelds can be counted on one hand. Nonetheless, many companies have started selling anti-virus software for handhelds, including both traditional anti-virus companies like Symantec and McAfee as well as some newcomers. Whether such efforts prove to be saviors or merely opportunistic remains to be seen. Note that the problem of malware is different from data privacy, keeping private information private in case a handheld is lost or stolen. Even without 3rd party software, there are steps that both users and developers can and should take to keep n'er-do-wells out of their systems. Some guidelines are the same as on the desktop, and seem obvious until they are repeatedly violated. Never run a program that doesn't come from a trusted source. �..Also, avoid programs which require opening up access to your handheld to the outside world."
As the fallout over the first real PPC trojan continues, the Infosync World Editorial examines the implications of this malware milestone. They cover the obvious security precautions you can take, as well as discussing possible future solutions to avoid malicious code. How do you fancy logging into your PDA as either "Administrator" or "User"? Because Palm OS devices do not currently have true multi-tasking, they are less susceptible to viruses, though this will change when Palm OS 6 arrives. Quite ironic that Palm's lack of functionality can occasionally be an asset. :wink: Still, all mobile Operating Systems need to consider how they will avoid issues like these in the future. This is especially true as PDAs will increasingly be wirelessly connected at all times, offering greater opportunity for attack and great scope for damage. There may be trouble ahead......... :|
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08-06-2004, 06:24 PM
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Philosopher
Join Date: Apr 2004
Posts: 545
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Trojan's aren't viral
Trojan's are not viruses. Trojan's rely on their host being a unsuspecting nincompoop. Viruses exploit holes in the OS or App and spread automatically. Trojan's are more parasitic then anything.
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08-06-2004, 07:22 PM
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Swami
Join Date: Feb 2004
Posts: 4,303
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Re: Trojan's aren't viral
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Originally Posted by gorkon280
Trojan's are not viruses.
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Fair enough - clarified post.
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08-07-2004, 01:01 AM
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Philosopher
Join Date: Aug 2006
Posts: 578
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Re: Infosync World Editorial: Immunizing the Handheld
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Originally Posted by Jonathon Watkins
Quite ironic that Pam's lack of functionality can occasionally be an asset. :wink:
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Who is Pam and what is her lack of functionality? I hope she doesn't lack any important attributes.
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08-07-2004, 01:42 AM
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Moderator
Join Date: Aug 2006
Posts: 6,878
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Re: Infosync World Editorial: Immunizing the Handheld
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Originally Posted by bbarker
Who is Pam and what is her lack of functionality? I hope she doesn't lack any important attributes.
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Heh... O.K., Pam does not lack any important attributes! Post fixed (wiseguy! :wink: :lol: )
Steve
__________________
"My eyes are rolling back in my head so far I can see my grey matter bubbling and frothing from reading this thread....bleh." JD
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