http://www.ocregister.com/ocregister/money/abox/article_1263733.php By CLINT SWETT Scripps Howard News Service September 5, 2006 Researchers at UC Davis have discovered that cell phones capable of receiving multimedia files are vulnerable to stealth attacks that can quickly drain the phones' batteries. Hao Chen, assistant professor in the university's department of computer science, led a team that discovered how cell phones connected to data networks can be bombarded with stealth files that wake up the phone from standby mode. Even though the files are recognized as junk and immediately discarded, their arrival can drain the phone's batteries up to 22 times faster than normal phone operation. According to Chen, one individual with a PC and DSL connection could theoretically attack as many as 5,000 phones at once. Chen said he isn't aware of any attacks using such technology, but has notified the major wireless carriers of his findings. "It's just a matter of time until hackers discover vulnerabilities," said Chen, whose research looks at security holes in cellular phone networks. Joe Ferren, a spokesman for CTIA - The Wireless Association, a cellular industry trade group, said he was not aware of the specific threat, but said wireless carriers are constantly improving security. "We realize these types of threats are always evolving, requiring carriers to be vigilant, and they are," he said. _________________________________ HITBSecConf2006 - Malaysia The largest network security event in Asia 32 internationally renowned speakers 7 tracks of hands-on technical training sessions. Register now: http://conference.hitb.org/hitbsecconf2006kl/
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