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.