IDCS Raises Awareness on Mobile Phone Hacking Attempts

The Cabinet’s Information and Decision Support Center (IDSC) has clarified the reasons behind recent warnings issued by the National Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (NTRA) regarding attempts to hack mobile phones, stressing that the move aims to raise cybersecurity awareness and does not indicate that citizens’ devices have been breached.

The clarification came amid public questions over the nature of the warnings and their potential impact on users. The IDSC explained that the statement issued by the NTRA falls within its preventive and awareness-raising role, designed to protect citizens’ data and promote safe digital practices.

Mohamed Ibrahim, Assistant First Undersecretary and Head of the Community Interaction Sector at the NTRA, said the authority’s warning refers specifically to attempts to hack mobile phones, emphasizing that this does not mean actual hacking incidents have occurred. He noted that the terminology reflects the evolving nature of digital threats, which require increased vigilance from users.

Ibrahim highlighted that mobile phones are no longer limited to traditional communication services, but have become central to daily life, storing personal data, financial information, digital transactions, and access to transportation, health, and education services. This concentration of sensitive data, he explained, makes mobile devices a prime target for cyberattacks.

He added that the NTRA’s statement included a set of key guidelines aimed at reducing the risk of hacking and making such attempts more difficult. Digital awareness, he stressed, represents the first line of defense against cyber threats.

According to Ibrahim, hacking attempts targeting mobile phones are not limited to Egypt but extend to more than 150 countries worldwide, reflecting the global nature of cybersecurity risks amid rapid technological advancement. He emphasized that the primary objective of the warning was to reassure citizens and enhance awareness, not to create fear or panic.

He noted that within just five days of issuing the statement, the NTRA observed a noticeable increase in public awareness, as reflected in media engagement and direct communication from citizens seeking guidance and clarification, underscoring growing recognition of the importance of digital security.

Regarding preventive measures, Ibrahim stressed the importance of enabling automatic updates for applications, explaining that updates often address security vulnerabilities. Ignoring such updates, he warned, may expose devices to hacking risks.

He also cautioned against interacting with messages or links from unknown sources, noting that many hacking incidents occur through malicious links that install harmful software once opened. Users, he said, should verify the source of messages and avoid engaging with suspicious content.

Ibrahim pointed out that some threats have become more sophisticated, with messages appearing to come from seemingly trusted sources. He urged users to carefully examine the wording and style of such messages, and to be wary of communications promising prizes, deliveries, or services that were not requested.

He further advised users to avoid opening unidentified digital advertisements, delete them immediately, and make use of phone settings to block such ads whenever possible.

As for signs of potential hacking, Ibrahim cited unusual phone slowness, unfamiliar applications, unexplained increases in data usage, and device overheating without use as possible indicators of malicious software. In such cases, he recommended disconnecting from the internet, reviewing installed applications, and removing any suspicious programs.

He also emphasized the importance of regularly changing passwords, avoiding easily guessed combinations, and enabling two-factor authentication to add an extra layer of security and prevent account takeover.

Ibrahim concluded by reaffirming that the NTRA operates specialized teams to continuously monitor cyber threats, and that issuing warning statements is part of its preventive and awareness-driven mandate, particularly amid expanding use of advanced telecommunications networks and growing data volumes. Protecting users, he stressed, begins with awareness and adherence to cybersecurity guidelines.