Bandar Seri Begawan - DST Communication's Prima and Easi subscribers be warned. The "symbos.hatihati.asms.virus", also known as Hati-Hati spam virus which has infected certain types of smartphones and operating system (OS) of mobile phones in March this year, is still active.

A DST spokesperson informed The Brunei Times that although the number of users infected has reduced thus far, it is still essential for them to take precautionary steps, especially those whose phones have been earlier infected.

He advised them to quickly get their phones reformatted. "Failure to do so will result in them infecting other users who are on their contact list," he added.

The spokeperson said that due to its continuous spamming nature, the virus will cause traffic congestion in the DSTCom network. Without subscribers realising, the virus will send multiple SMSes (short messaging services) to any random numbers, invalid phone numbers and even international numbers that will result in service delays, and possible high phone bills.

The Hati-Hati virus is a self-replicating Trojan that causes mobile phones to send high volumes of SMSes to international or unknown numbers without the subscribers knowledge. In some instances, DST has detected mobile phones spamming up to 70,000 times an hour.

The magnitude of infected mobile phones will definitely pose a threat to the quality of service in the DST network.

The virus usually infects mobile phones with Symbian OS, which was found to be more prone to being infected with the virus. Mobile phones with file folder applications or memory card capabilities are also unsafe from the virus.

The virus gives very little indication that it has infected the user's mobile phone and this adds to its dangerous nature.
Subscribers affected by Spam SMS may experience a lesser quality of service, such as delays in receiving or sending SMS; network congestion when attempting to make calls; slower broadband speed; and shorter battery life.

If subscribers suspect or receive a notification from DST that their mobile phones are infected, they should take prompt action by formatting their phones and/or the memory cards attached to them. DST will continue to monitor the network and if any infected mobile phone is found, certain measures will be taken such as for subscribers roaming outside DST network, their outgoing SMS service will be barred and for subscribers in DST network, only their mobile phone will be barred.

Barring process will start on October 5 and will be conducted on a continuous process. Subscribers with infected mobile phones will be notified via SMS and barred on the same day. No further warnings will be given before barring.

DST will only reconnect the subscribers' services or mobile phone once evidence of reformatting is provided at any DST counters.

The company strongly urge its subscribers not to ignore this advice. With these measures, DST hopes to maintain the excellent quality of service enjoyed by its subscribers. -- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin

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