In what International Business Machines Corp. calls a "new and troubling trend," 2005 should see an epidemic of viruses and worms attacking handheld devices, cellphones, wireless networks and embedded computers, which include car and satellite communication systems.

The IBM Global Business Security Index Report for 2004, written by Big Blue's Global Security Intelligence Services team, reported that e-mail worms and viruses wreaked the most havoc on corporate networks in 2004. Worms such as Bagle, NetSky and Mydoom led the pack in the number of variants and overall impact.

During the latter part of 2004, a growing number of viruses aimed at personal digital assistants and other mobile devices, such as the Cabir worm, were also released.

Based on early indicators, IBM predicts that such worms will likely be used by copycats and may spur an epidemic of viruses aimed at mobile devices.

"After a year like 2004, many IT departments feel beaten down from combatting viruses like Mydoom and NetSky," IBM's director of security strategy Stuart McIrvine said.

The Security Index report says mobile devices -- such as PDAs and cellphones -- are the new frontier for viruses, spam and other potential security threats. Bluetooth and other wireless technologies that connect mobile devices pose new exposures for hackers to target.


Source : TheGlobeAndMail