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While much of the computer security world, as well as this blog right here, focuses primarily on threats against computers and networks, Mikko Hypponen, director of antivirus research for Helsinki-based F-Secure Corp., directs his attention at malware and virus exploits directed at cell phones.

In this interview at Information Security, Mikko mentions that although the threats are still relatively small, they are growing. And one would imagine that if just the right wireless virus was created, it could possibly spread like wildfire.

So far, most of the problems have occurred with cell phones in Europe and Southeast Asia. Also, none of the malware created to this point actually does all that much damage. Mikko concludes that must of the cell phone hacks have been pulled off by what he calls “hobbyists” who have limited skills and resources.

Cabir and Commwarrier are the worms that have infected the most cell phonesmostly because they can spread using Bluetooth or MMS. And while many thought the mobile phones running Windows would be most effected, in fact it’s Symbian OS-based devices, especially the Symbian Series 60 Second edition, that are most affected.

The good news is bot nets have not yet shown up on mobile phones. But that’s not to say they never will, as cell phone’s increasing power and speed make it all that much more likely. Also, I have heard from many friends in Europe that text message spam has grown into quite a nuisance.

Here’s what Hypponen had to say about how one type of mobile malware spreads: "SymbOS.Cardtrap installs Windows malware on the infected phone's memory card. It tries to fool users into investigating the phone problems with a PC and a memory card reader, making it possible for Windows malware to spread."

To keep your cell phone from going wild simply requires common sense. Said Hypponene, “install security software both to your PC as well as to your smart phones. Don't accept or install any software from untrusted sources. Don't swap memory cards between phones. Keep your Bluetooth in hidden mode to prevent unwanted interruptions. I'd like to emphasize that the solution is not to avoid smart phones. We have tons of Windows malware, too, and people still seem to be happily buying PCs.”

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