Virus Threat to Older Nokia Phones

Nokia Corp. said it might ask customers to upgrade their software after a wireless Internet company discovered a fault that could make the world’s most popular cellular phones vulnerable to viruses. Web2Wap.no, a Norwegian company that develops applications for mobile Internet products, discovered that a special text message sent to some older Nokia models prevented the keys from functioning. Taking the battery out and putting it back in made the phone work again. Even though the problem involves simple text messages, anti-virus makers are bracing for a slew of viruses as Internet-surfing mobile phones become increasingly available. Nokia said developing software products, such as cellular phones, always involves some bugs that are corrected as they surface. Finland-based Nokia said it might take legal action if the glitch was caused by a third party. Nokia’s American depositary receipts rose $1.38 to close at $41.94 on the New York Stock Exchange.