Today our lives are so intertwined with mobile phones that they have become part of us. Chatting, scrolling, video conferencing, emailing—all take place in the palm of our hands.
But in the midst of this constant activity, have we considered who might be watching our phones? In recent times, mobile phones have become the new target of hackers, and the threat is growing steadily.
Former National Security Agency and Google cybersecurity expert Rocky Cole has warned, “No one is monitoring the phones.” A report published in June 2025 stated that mobile phone security has now emerged as one of the biggest global challenges in cybersecurity.
According to Kaspersky’s 2025 report, in 2024 its security software blocked 33.3 million attacks. The greatest threats were adware and banking trojans. Experts observed that hackers are increasingly focusing on distributing existing malware more widely.
Hacker groups linked to China are targeting the phones of influential individuals. Government officials, those in the technology sector, and journalists are all vulnerable. Such sophisticated attacks can sometimes penetrate a device without any clicks from the user.
What makes mobile phones attractive is their universal use and the sensitive information they hold—banking, social media, personal, and medical data. Connecting to public Wi-Fi or unsecured networks raises risks for users. The rapid connectivity of 5G networks has also created new security gaps.
Mobile malware is becoming increasingly powerful. Initially it targeted only SMS messages or contact lists, but now it can steal personal data, passwords, financial information, and even take complete control of a device. Cybercriminals trick users through disguised apps that remain unnoticed.
Experts remind users that to stay safe, they must use strong passwords, two-factor authentication (2FA), regular backups, message encryption, and timely software updates. Following these practices secures information and reduces the risk of hackers.
As our reliance on mobile devices grows, so too does the cyber threat. Conscious use, adherence to security protocols, and deploying the necessary technology are the only ways to protect both personal and professional information.
Source: Cyber Security Intelligence
Total views: 830
