Suspected Virus Author Arrested

LONDON -- IT security and control firm Sophos has welcomed news that Spanish authorities have arrested a man suspected of writing and distributing a mobile phone virus.

According to a statement issued by Spanish police, a 28-year-old man was arrested in Valencia following a seven month investigation. The man is accused of creating and spreading over 20 different variants of the Cabir and Commwarrior worms, which attempt to infect mobile phones running the Symbian operating system. Embedded inside the worms allegedly written by the man are references to "Leslie," who is said to be the name of the suspect's fiancée.

Spanish police claim that as many as 115,000 mobile phones may have been struck by the malware.

“The concept of mobile viruses is very real. As most mobile devices connect via the desktop to network computers for syncing purposes, these viruses present a very dangerous risk to the network as a whole,” said Ron O’Brien, senior security analyst for Boston-based Sophos. “The desktop remains the most vulnerable point on the network. Considering, a comprehensive approach that incorporates mobile security with other network protection is essential.”

Sophos plc