Symantec reported recently that a new worm which targets mobile phones is on the loose, and that users need to take precautions.

The threat, however, is not as serious as it might be. This worm replicates on Nokia Series 60 phones only and contains no malicious payload. Instead, it repeatedly sends itself to the first Bluetooth-enabled device it can find within close proximity. That means even a Bluetooth-enabled printer could be attacked if it is within range.

However, the worm, dubbed SymbOS.Cabir, is a proof-of-concept threat, designed to field test the mechanism for infecting mobile phones. And as such, it has been successful.

“Although SymbOS.Cabir has been found in the wild, the threat prompts users several times to accept the malware and install the program, making its rapid spread a low possibility,” said Vincent Weafer, senior director of Symantec Security Response. “To protect their mobile devices from this threat, users should apply the same precautions as they would on their home or office computer. If they receive a suspicious program or attachment that they are not expecting, they should refrain from accepting the file.”

Symantec said there are currently more than 20 proof-of-concept variants of the SymbOS.Cabir threat. [via backbonemagazine]