Smartphone owners defenceless against cyber attacks, says study

A study published today by global information services company Experian reveals that one in six adults has fallen victim to a cyber-attack.

These can be anything from phishing emails, which could result in a fraudster taking over an online account, to ‘session hijacking’ attacks where a user’s web browsing is interrupted by a hacker, monitored or even hijacked.

Many smartphone and tablet devices users have no protection against ‘malware’, software designed specifically to damage or disrupt a system, despite nearly half using mobile phones for internet banking and one in three for online shopping.

The report comes days after three people were arrested in Leeds during an international operation to combat computer hackers. Another 13 suspects were also arrested in Kent, Estonia, France, Romania, Latvia, Italy and Norway in a series of cross-border raids, the National Crime Agency said.

The operation targeted suspected users of tools known as Remote Access Trojans (RATs), which allow cyber-criminals to gain control over computers, including being able to turn victims’ webcams on and off and access banking or other personal information.

Ori Eisen of Experian said: “This year has proved a tipping point for smartphones and tablets.

“The rapid rise in demand for online banking and retail combined with very little security on devices has created a massive opportunity for cyber criminals leaving many people and businesses extremely vulnerable.”