Smartphone hacking on the rise

With over 1,200 videos on YouTube on to how to hack a mobile phone password and high profile cases of phone fraud such as the Paris Hilton case on the rise, there is growing evidence that SmartPhones could be the next hackers' paradise.

As the level of access and synchronisation grows with each emerging model, SmartPhones are carrying as much information appealing to hackers and fraudsters as many laptops but are much easier to access. Full copies of email accounts and often banking or corporate network access systems are stored on most Smartphones carried across the nation, which makes this a virtual seventh heaven of opportunity for criminals.

Identity fraud cases went up by two-thirds in 2008 according to Experian. "Most phones are only equipped with simple 4 digit codes that are simply not up to the job" says Colin Allison, CEO PINoptic, "with the amount of information stored on most of our mobile devices it is only a matter of time before someone has a serious security breach."

PINoptic is an innovative authentication security product that allows the user to 'login' using a picture-based alternative that is over 37 times more secure than most current products. This cost-effective and easily implemented security solution could cut fraud created by mobile hackers to almost zero.

"With a PINoptic solution it would statistically take someone watching you with a good view of the picture code 10 times to figure out what your PIN might be," says Allison.

PINoptic allows the user to have a memorable picture password, which can be re-used and easily remembered. When the user wants to 'login' they are presented with an on-screen display where pictures are randomly associated with numbers and or letters. By entering the relevant letters or numbers connected to the picture in the correct order they generate a one-time password.

About PINoptic

PINoptic applies its Visual Probabilistic One Time Password (VPOTP) next-generation software to high security authentication applications. PINoptic maintains user simplicity through the use of pictures and symbols which appeals to a global market with differing literacy levels. Applications range from financial through to internet, mobile telecoms, corporate IT and access control. PINoptic's vision is to become a defacto security standard and replace 99% of existing pin and password systems by 2012.