Phone hacking rises dramatically

INCIDENCES of phone hacking have increased dramatically this year with the number of reported cases already equalling the total number of confirmed hacking incidents for 2010.

Figures published by the Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg) reveals there have been 21 documented cases of phone hacking since January — the same total for all of last year. The figure for 2009 was 19.

According to ComReg, the 61 cases of hacking since 2009 have cost businesses in excess of €620,000, an average of just over €10,000.

Almost half of all cases of hacking are done via “private branch exchanges” — usually a company which operates a switchboard with several telephone lines.

However, there are also a growing number of incidents of hackers infiltrating people’s numbers via broadband and mobile networks.

A ComReg spokesperson said the figures, released in a parliamentary question to Cork South-West Labour TD Michael McCarthy related to cases whereby hackers illegally access a person’s phone network to make their own calls. As a result businesses can face potentially huge bills.

Meanwhile, firms and public bodies have been warned about the growing danger of to “viral” cyber hackers. A report claims it is a matter of when, not if, companies will be targeted for corporate espionage and sabotage.