Saturday, July 17, 2004
First Proof-Of-Concept CE Virus Released
Posted by Janak Parekh in "NEWS" @ 11:15 AM
It was only a matter of time before this was going to happen -- an EXE on Windows CE that is capable of infecting other EXE files on the same unit. It's called "WinCE4.Dust", and it's clear it's proof-of-concept, as it prompts the user before actually infecting other executables:
In any case, it's worth pointing out several things: first, it's not at all surprising this is possible -- CE is a general-purpose OS, and as such can run any programs, including those that modify others. Second, it (or even newer viruses) are unlikely to spread very far, because people don't frequently exchange data or executables between Pocket PCs and because Pocket PCs don't have the market penetration that desktops do. Macro viruses are less likely to occur, thanks to the fact that Pocket Word doesn't have any macro support. ;)
That said, you will eventually have to become more careful as to installing programs on your device. I don't plan to install antivirus protection any time in the future, but I do plan to be careful as to my sources of CE programs. :)
In any case, it's worth pointing out several things: first, it's not at all surprising this is possible -- CE is a general-purpose OS, and as such can run any programs, including those that modify others. Second, it (or even newer viruses) are unlikely to spread very far, because people don't frequently exchange data or executables between Pocket PCs and because Pocket PCs don't have the market penetration that desktops do. Macro viruses are less likely to occur, thanks to the fact that Pocket Word doesn't have any macro support. ;)
That said, you will eventually have to become more careful as to installing programs on your device. I don't plan to install antivirus protection any time in the future, but I do plan to be careful as to my sources of CE programs. :)
