First mobile phone virus is discovered

The first mobile phone virus has emerged, experts said today.

They say the virus, called Cabir, could be used to steal address book and text message details from phones.

It is capable of automatically spreading to nearby phones if they use Bluetooth, a wireless hands-free headset.

The virus has so far been spotted in the Philippines and Singapore. However, experts warned it could spread quickly. "All it takes is someone to board a plane with an infected phone in his pocket," said a spokesman for F-Secure, the anti-virus company that spotted Cabir.

Experts believe hackers are increasingly targeting users of mobile phones as the devices become more sophisticated.

"As more people keep sensitive information on their phones, they are becoming attractive to virus writers," said Graham Cluley of anti-virus firm Sophos. He urged phone users to switch off Bluetooth if not using it.