Cell phones and smartphones are constantly being given new features. They already serve not only as a phone, calendar, and address book – soon they will also replace airline tickets and be used for cashless payment. Equipment that can do so much requires particular protection from unauthorized access from outside. “Similar to our biological immune system, each device must learn from the threats and build defense strategies,” said Jochen Schiller, professor of computer science and head of the project.

By the time the project is completed in mid-2012, the group aims to have developed a collaborative, digital immune system capable of providing comprehensive protection. Schiller and his colleagues will develop intelligent detection and prevention software, which would itself function to protect mobile phones and would also draw on other technical devices in the area for assistance. It would establish a kind of defense system, making it possible to reduce the spread of infections.