However, both F-Secure and Kapersky Lab, another antivirus company based in Russia, reported receiving complaints about the virus. In one case, a single corporate user inadvertently sent out 500 copies of it. The antivirus firms obtained a copy of the malicious code and created a software solution to stop its spread. Vincente Coll, a representative in Spain for Kapersky Labs, said the recent spate of virus attacks using e-mail attachments made users more vigilant, and that should help stem the spread of Timofonica. But Gullatto said as the operating systems for handheld devices become more sophisticated to allow the creation of miniature automation programs known as macros, the potential to wreak havoc will grow.
Automation is the key.
David Chess, an antivirus researcher with IBM's Thomas J. Watson Research Center, said software designers can learn from the lessons of earlier viruses to improve protection of handheld devices. The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. The Web Copyright 2000 ABC News Internet Ventures.