What is a virus?
Computer viruses are small software programs that are designed to spread from one computer to another and to interfere with computer operation.
Is my Nokia Series 40 device at risk from viruses?
Absolutely not. Series 40 (also known as S40) devices can only run Java applications in .jad or .jar formats, these can only be installed and run at your own instigation, no program can get into your Series 40 phone without your knowledge, and it would not be possible for them to make changes to your device operating system.
Is my Nokia Symbian device at risk from viruses?
Currently there are no Symbian viruses in circulation. Symbian S60 and Symbian^3 devices are not subject to virus attacks in the traditional sense, no program can be installed into your Symbian device without your knowledge. There have been no known viruses for Symbian devices since S60 2nd Edition (Nokia's last devices with that version of the OS were in 2006).
Virus developers never saw serious benefit in developing viruses for Symbian devices because of the fact that it is not possible to install software without the user's knowledge, which rather defeats the object of the exercise. A compatibility break between S60 2nd Edition and later versions of Symbian means that recent devices have not been at risk from the small number of experimental Symbian viruses previously created.
Can a virus in my PC also affect my Nokia S40 or Symbian device?
No, your PC has a totally different operating system to your Nokia mobile device, and no program be it legitimate or malicious which is designed to run on a PC would work on a Nokia S40 or Symbian device
What is malware?
Malware, short for malicious software, consists of programming (code, scripts, active content, and other software) designed to disrupt or deny operation, gather information that leads to loss of privacy or exploitation, gain unauthorized access to system resources, and other abusive behaviour.
Is my Nokia device at risk from malware and how should I protect it?
There are potential risks. As with viruses, it is not possible for software to install itself onto your device without your knowledge, but it is possible for an application that you install yourself to have malicious intent. The best way to protect yourself is to download apps only from trustworthy sources, and resist the temptation to obtain pirated software - you may have the initial benefit of not paying for commercial software, but the consequences may not be so pleasant.
