The technology of mobile phones has become steadily more advanced, allowing us to utilise them in a widening variety of ways – including GPS navigation and the ability to surf the internet while on the move.

But with the growing popularity of ’smart phones’ for the purposes of internet connection and watching video clips, so the security risks usually associated with internet users are becoming more apparent.

Since 2004, there have been increases in the numbers of viruses that target mobile phones – which can be spread through malicious text messages and Bluetooth connections.

The effects of which can range from disabling phones and SIM cards to sneakily raising the costs of messages and phone calls. And with more of these handsets now becoming available as pay as you go mobile phones it can prove costly for those already on a tight budget.

Whilst the initial risk factor of the handset getting infected is relatively low, there have been reports of thousands of phones that have experienced problems. And according to a survey commissioned by a leading anti-virus software company – three out of four users expressed concerns over the safety of new mobile services.

Since it was discovered that operating systems on mobile phones were susceptible to viruses, firms have had to implement changes to try and bring the risk level down for their customers.

And with the launch of the next generation of smart phones announced at the recent Mobile World Congress, there is concern about potential security risks for these new open-source mobile phones.

Security experts from leading security software firms are warning of risks associated with using open-source software, which could leave mobile phone customers’ handsets at risk of viruses and worms in much the same way as computer users face today.

By: David Collins