According to National Anti-Scam Centre, Australians reported losses of over $2.74 billion to scams in 2023. While the threat of scams isn’t new, our latest research reveals that the fear of cyber threats is driving many of us to rethink how we use our smartphones.
Conducted in partnership with YouGov, the research found that 86% of Aussies who own a mobile or smartphone are concerned about cybercriminals targeting their personal information, making many more cautious with their phone use.
Despite Telstra’s mobile traffic growing on its network around 20 per cent every year, 1 in 5 (18%) Australian smartphone owners admitted to spending less time browsing the internet on their phones due to this growing unease.
While many of us are becoming more cautious with their mobile use, the research suggests many still feel confident in their ability to spot potential scams. In fact, some Aussie mobile or smartphone users appear to veer on overconfidence, particularly when engaging in riskier 1 activities like online banking or shopping on their devices:
That’s why we’ve launched Device Security Essentials - the first mobile device security feature from an Australian telco, integrated directly into the My Telstra app. This tool simplifies mobile security and is available at no extra cost to over 9 million Telstra consumer and small business mobile services nationwide.
Powered by McAfee, Device Security Essentials offers an easy-to-use additional layer of protection against online threats through three distinct features:
Wi-Fi Scan: Whether you’re at a café, airport, or on the go, this feature scans public Wi-Fi networks for security threats, alerting you to potential risks before you browse.
Safe Browsing: Shop, read the news, or browse the web with more confidence by receiving timely alerts before accessing risky websites and links.
Device Check: A security scan that helps protect your devices and personal information from the latest malware and threats.
Telstra Cyber Security Expert Darren Pauli explains that while scams were once easier to spot due to sloppy spelling or dodgy formatting, today’s scammers have become more sophisticated, designing messages and websites that closely mimic legitimate ones. Darren warns that relying on instinct alone is risky, as many scams are now so well-executed that it’s getting harder to tell what’s real from what’s fake.
We also found that connecting to unsecure public Wi-Fi networks is more common than we might think. Our research shows that 44% of Australians with mobile or smartphone devices are likely to connect to public Wi-Fi 2, and 12% always do, despite the risks. Gen Z (58%) and Millennials (63%) are more likely to use public Wi-Fi 3, while Baby Boomers (48%) tend to be more cautious, often avoiding these networks altogether.
The most common reasons 4 for connecting to public Wi-Fi are browsing the internet (61%) and accessing social media (56%) – both prime opportunities for scammers to strike with fake websites or social media scams. While malicious URLs that steal information or initiate fraud can be hard to spot, unsecured public Wi-Fi networks can be just as risky.
Device Security Essentials is the latest in our ongoing efforts to keep Australians safe online, adding an extra layer of protection alongside our Cleaner Pipes Program, which blocks millions of scam calls, texts, and emails each month before they reach you. While these initiatives strengthen your security, staying safe online is a shared responsibility. Cyber threats are constantly evolving, and no one is completely immune. But by staying alert and proactive – and with Cleaner Pipes and Device Security Essentials working together – we’re helping to better equip you to navigate the digital world.
Be extra vigilant when using your mobile phone for purchases, browsing websites that require personal information, or setting passwords. If something feels off, trust your instincts.
Question the unexpected. If you receive an SMS, chat message, or phone call that seems out of the ordinary, don’t engage. Don’t click on links or share any personal information. If it’s a phone call, simply hang up.
Verify through official channels. If you’re unsure about the legitimacy of a message or call, contact the organisation directly using the official number listed on their website or for Telstra, reach out to us through our App.
