Avoid computer viruses that spread over mobile devices

Some mobile viruses -- that is, viruses that infect Smartphones, cell phones, and handheld PCs -- spread in the same way as traditional computer viruses, namely 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.

Important: Currently, we are not aware of any viruses that can be transferred from your laptop or your desktop to your Windows Mobile-based device.

Other mobile viruses can spread like human viruses do by close contact in the presence of the right host. Some cell phones 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 Windows Mobile device to your laptop.

This handy technology comes with a few risks if you don't use it correctly. 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.

Note: Windows Mobile devices equipped with Bluetooth come with that technology turned off by default.
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Help protect yourself against mobile viruses

Follow these general rules to help protect the data on your mobile device.
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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 for surfing and downloading more safely when using your personal computer 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, your best bet is not to open it or download it at all.
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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.
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If your phone is equipped with Beam (also known as Infrared), only allow it to receive incoming beams when you're receiving data from a source you trust.
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Download and install antivirus software for your mobile device. You can get antivirus software at Windows Marketplace or in the Windows Mobile catalog.
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Additional ways to protect your mobile device

Currently, the risk of contracting a virus on your mobile device is not even close to the risk of losing it or having it stolen. Remember to treat your phone or other handheld device as carefully you would your wallet, especially in places that are prone to theft, such as airport security checkpoints. Read the manual that came with your device to determine how to lock it or protect it with a password. That way, 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.

To learn more about mobile virus threats as they develop, visit the Security at Home Web site or sign up for the Microsoft Security Newsletter for Home Users.