With more and more people (especially in our field) using their phones and PDAs to keep up with the constant flow of email and surfing the web on the fly to save time, there's a flu going around for these devices.  It isn't an epidemic yet, but I am hearing about these nasty cases more often:  viruses.

On our desktops and laptops, we would never think of connecting to the 'net without our nice little virus protection programs - since our phones and PDAs are our lifelines, shouldn't we care for them in the same way?  Well, for all practical purposes, we can't.  The software for our computers takes up too much space.  Until reliable programs to protect our cellular devices become practical, here are a few tips to keep them from "catching a bug:"

  1. Don't open email on your handheld that you don't recognize.  Sure, you want to respond quickly to catch that next lead...imagine how many you won't get while you are trying to figure out what is wrong with your Palm?  How much time will you lose getting back up to speed if you have to replace it?
  2. Text messages and MMS messages that you don't know who they're from?  Delete without opening.  Marketers have been blasting us with SMS messages for a couple of years.  It is only a matter of time before some hacker sends you a bug just for kicks.
  3. Surfing on your phone?  Fine--just be sure you're going to sites that are safe.  Leave the exploration for when you get back to your protected computer.

I'm not intending to scare anyone - just a few tips to be aware of to reduce the panic and havoc that having your mobile device infected can cause.  There may be some good protection out there, but I'm not aware of it.  If you know about some--please, inform me and everyone else!  Be smart, be safe...be productive!

         Kent Simpson
Kent Simpson REALTOR®, e-Certified®, AHS® (with The Pepper Group™ Diversified Real Estate): Real Estate Agent in Tucson, Pima County, Arizona web counter

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Specializing in Buyer Representation in the Tucson, Arizona real estate market.

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14 Comments on How To Keep Your PDA/Blackberry/Treo/Cellphone From Getting SICK!

MAR
21
2008
3 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor
Great post! I've always wondered when the hackers are going to get their dirty little fingers on our PDA's!
12:52am • #1
319,808 Points 1 Featured Post Outside Blog
Kent, great post!  I, like John wondered how long it would take the sicko's that do viruses to get to our PDA's and smart cell phones.
12:59am • #2
373,583 Points 23 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog
Are there any anti-virus, anti-spam programs for pda/blackberries?  
1:08am • #3
224,945 Points 4 Featured Posts Outside Blog

Kent, thanks for the tips. These are great tips when using a PDA and they also apply to desktop computing.

Good Post!

8:22am • #4
164,128 Points 3 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Hit Router

Liz - a company called SMobile has some solutions.  So far I've seen mixed reviews on it, but it is something.  Here's a link to their website.

John - there are around 500 varieties of malware designed for mobile devices alone. So far.

Tony & Darcy - you can count on hackers figuring out how to get into things before we learn how to protect them.  That's why companies hire them...it is like hiring a thief to tell you how they'd rob your place...not a bad idea when you think about it.

Michael - you're right.  If it looks like spam, has syntax like a 3rd grade dropout, tells you you've won something or that they need help getting money into the states...chances are you don't want to open it! LOL

9:03am • #5
MAR
22
2008
181,981 Points Outside Blog
I don't do email on my phone yet but it looks like I am going that way.  Hopefully I won't get any virus'. 
10:53am • #6
MAR
27
2008
164,128 Points 3 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Hit Router
Gene, thanks for commenting.  You should be fine, just don't open things on it you don't know where they're from.
11:04pm • #7
APR
27
2008
3 Featured Posts
Had no idea so much malware was already created for cell phones!  Is there a virus software for cell phones yet?
11:46pm • #8
APR
28
2008
164,128 Points 3 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Hit Router
Bo - It has happened...and more will in the future, it is just the way things go.  Click this link to read more about phone viruses, and here are some solutions.  CNET also has some good, but dated information here.
9:55pm • #9
387,353 Points 3 Featured Posts Outside Blog
Kent: Great Post..... I don't have e-mail on my treo... but is is always acting up with out that.
10:01pm • #10
164,128 Points 3 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Hit Router

Thanks for stopping by, Roland.  Maybe a firmware upgrade can help you--check with your wireless provider to see if there's one available for your model.

11:28pm • #11
AUG
15
2008

Good post and excellent information

Let me know if i can help in any way in the future

 

Its good to be in the Rain

8:57am • #12
164,128 Points 3 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Hit Router

I appreciate the offer, Justin - thanks for stopping by!

10:14am • #13
AUG
16
2008

I just had a call from a friend the other day who swore I sent him a virus from my Treo - I was shocked. Checked on Palms' website, and they apparently do not write anti-virus software for the platform, so I'm keeping an eye on it.

8:45am • #14

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Kent Simpson REALTOR® and some other alphabet soup

Tucson, AZ

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Avalar Advantage Realty

Address: 1630 E River Rd, Suite 212, Tucson, AZ, 85718

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