RIM VP of Blackberry security Scott Totzke this week warned that hackers may attempt to take control of smartphones, including his company's own BlackBerry models, to bring down cell phone networks through what's known as a distributed-denial-of-service (DDOS) attack.

This type of attack happens today with PCs. Such as when Twitter was brought down in August when thousands of computers with malicious code secretly installed overwhelmed the social networking site.

On the smartphone side, this type of malware could send wireless data packets to overwhelm and disable mobile operator's wireless network, according to Totzke. He recommends staying up to date with your smartphone manufacturer’s security patches to help protect yourself and your carrier's network.

[reuters via CIO]