Australia Sees Rise in Phone Hackings

With cyber threats becoming more sophisticated, smartphone security is more critical than ever. Phone hacks are on the rise, with cybercriminals increasingly targeting mobile devices due to the vast amount of sensitive personal information stored on them, making smartphones a prime target for attacks like identity theft and fraud. This trend is further fuelled by the growing reliance on mobile phones for banking, shopping and other critical activities. 

According to Vidit Sehgal, founder and CEO of V4 IT, Australia’s fastest growing onsite IT services provider, the risks of having your phone hacked are increasing but there are some simple things people can do to keep their device safe.

“One of the questions we often get is, is it easier to hack an iPhone or an Android,” Sehgal said.

“While both iPhones and Androids are designed with security in mind, Android phones are generally more vulnerable to hacks due to their open-source system and the ability to install third- party apps.

“Apple’s closed ecosystem and strict App Store guidelines make iPhones harder to exploit, but they’re not immune.

“Android users face higher risks due to the availability of apps from external sources and slower security updates from some manufacturers.”

Regardless of the type of phone you use, Sehgal recommends following these three essential steps to reduce the risk of hacking.

Turn your phone off daily

“Few people realise that simply powering down your phone daily can be an effective security measure,” Sehgal said.

“Malware and spyware often run in the background, collecting data over time. Turning off your phone breaks these processes, stops certain tracking methods and ensures security updates take effect properly.”

Keep your software updated

“Hackers frequently exploit outdated software to access personal data. Ensuring your phone is always running the latest version of iOS or Android is critical,” Sehgal said.

“Updates patch vulnerabilities that hackers can use to breach your device. Set your phone to install updates automatically or check regularly for new security patches.”

Use strong passwords and two-factor authentication (2FA)

“A strong passcode and two-factor authentication (2FA) add extra layers of security, making it harder for hackers to gain access, even if they steal your password,” Sehgal said.

“Many people still use weak passwords or reuse them across multiple accounts. Using unique, complex passwords and enabling 2FA on important apps like banking and email accounts significantly reduces hacking risks.”

How do you know if your phone has been hacked

“Some signs may indicate that your phone has been compromised. It is important to understand your phone and its typical behaviour,” Sehgal said.

Tips on what to look out for

• Unusual battery drain: If your phone’s battery life suddenly decreases, malware could be running in the background.
• Slow performance and overheating: A hacked phone often struggles to keep up with basic functions due to hidden processes running without your knowledge.
• Unknown apps or messages: If you see apps you didn’t download or messages you never sent, your phone may be compromised.
• Unexplained data usage: A sudden spike in data usage can indicate that malware is transmitting information from your device.

“If you notice any of these signs, take immediate action. Restart your phone, update your software, change your passwords and scan for malware,” Sehgal said.

Sehgal emphasised that smartphones contain vast amounts of personal and financial data, making them prime targets for hackers. Simple habits like turning off your phone daily, updating software, and using strong authentication can go a long way in keeping your device secure.

The post Australia Sees Rise in Phone Hackings appeared first on Small Business Connections.