Sorry if this came up before - I did a search and there was very little mention of it. Anyway, does anyone have any info on the virus that affects Bluetooth enabled devices? I've heard various rumors but nothing concrete. Is it possible for the car to become infected, either while you're using the HFL or with it off? Also is there a way to protect your phone, and if your phone becomes infected will it transfer to the car? Would it damage anything if it does? Sorry for all the questions, but I think it's a worthwile topic, both to let everyone know if there's a danger and also to put peoples' minds at ease if there is not.

Thanks.

I'm really enjoying the HFL and think it's a great device that should come in all cars. The convenience and safety is great.

BTW - I'm using a Moto V600 and it works great. I would recommend this phone to anyone who wants a BT phone.

 

it will destroy us all!!!!

 

Yes I heard of it but have only have my bluetooth SE T637 for a few weeks and have not had a problem...yet! Here is a link with more information:

http://securityresponse.symantec.com...poc.cabir.html

 

For more background see the December WIRED magazine. It has an informative article on security and virus issues for bluetooth phones. Mostly it has been seen in Europe and England. The most common risk is that a hacker can gain access to your phone which allows them to (1) download you phone book, (2) listen in to your phone calls, (3) and in general use your phone without your knowledge or permission. Verizon has cited this as one of the reasons they have disabled some of the functions on the v710 bluetooth Moto phone. There may be an element of truth in this even though many suspect that it is also a way for Verizon to sell more services.

For the most part the hacking has been harmless and used to expose the problem rather than do anything sinister. For now just be aware of the risks and keep an eye out for software upgrades that may help fix the problem.

 

by the way, don't piss off the moderator otherwise he gives you a red color...it hurts..it hurts...

 

Also keep in mind that the range of bluetooth is extremely limited. I'm sure it will become more of a problem when BT becomes more common. But for right now, I'd say the odds of infection are pretty low.

 

 

communists...

 

you're one crazy bastard

 

i'm not the one with the fake fu manchu and a lime green jump suit....

 

by the way...ron j is personally attacking me..and i want to make that clear to all board users (all joking aside). Giving me bad reps on actual useful comments is just lame brother.

 

Via slashdot, I was reading an article on InfoSec news that details a bluetooth virus that can affect the onboard computer for some Lexus models from up to 15 feet away. What does this mean for TL'ers.. i have no idea because the article is vague and kinda sketchy, but i thought you'd all still like to know.. i guess it depends on the OS we're running... ok bye, im going to run norton antivirus on my car now...

 

This today from the G35 forum ...

This was posted on Cnet earlier:

Antivirus companies are researching reports that computer viruses have attacked the onboard computers of cars.

Moscow-based Kaspersky Labs was asked last weekend how to disinfect the onboard computers of several Lexus models: LX470, LS430 and Landcruiser 100. The security company was told that the infection likely occurred via a mobile phone.

Some mobile-phone viruses already exist, such as Cabir and Skulls, which spread by Bluetooth and infect handsets based on the Symbian operating system. Many Lexus cars include a navigation system that can connect to a mobile phone over Bluetooth to allow hands-free calls, and Kaspersky believes that Bluetooth could be used to transmit a virus to a car's GPS navigation system.

However, it is unclear which operating system Lexus uses for its navigation system. The company did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

"We know that car manufacturers are integrating existing operating systems into their onboard computers--take the Fiat and Microsoft deal, for instance," said Eugene Kaspersky, head of antivirus research at Kaspersky Labs. "If infected mobile devices are scary, just think about an infected onboard computer."

David Emm, senior technology consultant at Kaspersky, said it was plausible that mobile phones could infect cars.

"It's certainly a possibility, but at this stage, it seems theoretical," Emm said. "The question is whether (onboard computers) have been subjected to attacks from (devices running the) Symbian operating system. I suspect that this will be done with a handset."

Kaspersky is still researching the reports.

Until two-way wireless transmissions were banned in races, Formula 1 racing cars were equipped with antivirus software to prevent virus attacks on the car's operating system.

 

The New York Times had an article Monday about a computer scientist in Brazil named Velascko who has published a bluetoth virus.

Computer security experts around the world have given his virus and its variants more toxic-sounding names like "Lasco.A," "Symbos_Vlasco.A" or simply "the Lasco virus." They are also calling it stupid.

"We think he's dangerous," said Mikko Hypponen, the director of antivirus research for a Finnish company, F-Secure, "because he publicly posts working mobile malware that any clown anywhere can easily download and use."

Mr. Velasco's creation is essentially a piece of computer code that takes advantage of the short-range radio frequency technology called Bluetooth, which is installed on many common handheld devices, especially cellphones. If a person carrying an infected phone passes someone carrying a Bluetooth phone on the street, Mr. Velasco's worm can jump the gap, infecting the second phone.

I've emailed Verizon & am waiting for a response from them on how they would prevent virus spreading. I'll publish here if I get any response I get from them.