Hackers are able to spy on smartphone users anywhere in the world. In one of the biggest threat to privacy breaches the world has ever seen, Australians may have their names, addresses, bank account details and medical data stolen due to a security vulnerability. Channel Nine's 60 Minutes has uncovered a security hole in modern telecommunications that enables cyber criminals to listen in on phone conversations and read text messages. The program reveals just how easy it is for German hackers, who are based in Berlin, to be able to intercept, steal data and geo-track someone's location by using a signalling system, known as SS7. Scroll down for video 60 Minutes reporter Ross Coulthart has uncovered a security hole where hackers can access your phones The world-first investigation follows a phone conversation between Mr Coulthart (right) speaking from Germany and Independent senator Nick Xenophon (left), who was at the Parliament House at the time of call Criminals, commercial spies and suspected terrorists are allegedly exploiting the security loophole for their own benefit by accessing the system, which is being used by major Australian providers. 'Everything about our lives is contained in the palm of our hand,' reporter Ross Coulthart said. 'Your sensitive, private data is opened for anyone to see. You could be bugged, tracked and hacked from anywhere in the world. It's long been the dirty little secret of international espionage. 'What it means is that your smartphone is an open book.' The world-first investigation follows a phone conversation between Mr Coulthart speaking from Germany and Independent senator Nick Xenophon, who was at the Parliament House in Canberra at the time of call. German hacker Luca Melette demonstrated the process of tracking and bugging vulnerability of smartphones Cyber criminals are allegedly exploiting the security loophole for their own benefit by accessing the system Australians may have their names, addresses and bank account details stolen due to a security vulnerability With the help from German hacker Luca Melette, who works as a consultant in security agencies, he demonstrated the process of tracking and bugging vulnerability of smartphones by tapping into SS7. 'What if I could tell you senator, that it's possible to listen in to any mobile phone from anywhere in the world - would you believe me?' Mr Coulthart asked as the hacker listened on. But Mr Xenophon responded: 'I find it very hard to believe.' Mr Coulhart went on to ask the senator for consent to have their conversation recorded, in which Mr Xenophon said: This seems like science fiction, I don't believe they can pull it off. 'But if you reckon they can pull it off, I give my consent but I find this incredibly hard to believe.' The senator, who was initially skeptical with the hack, was outraged to hear a recorded conversation he had It reveals just how easy it is for German hackers to intercept, steal data and geo-track someone's location The reporter also revealed to Mr Xenophon, who was being used as a guinea pig during the program, that the hackers could intercept text messages. Appearing skeptical, Mr Xenophon immediately texted: 'Hi Ross, I don't believe you!! Nick.' After viewing the results, the senator seemed outraged to hear a recorded conversation he previously had with Mr Coulthart. He was also stunned to hear his text message being read out. 'This is actually quite shocking because this affects every Australia,' Mr Xenophon said. 'It means anyone with a mobile phone can be hacked, can be bugged - it's just chilling. This is the end of anyone's privacy as we know it. 'This is not about spies or terrorists and pollies - this is about every Australian that is vulnerable because their phones can be hacked.'
The adjective "smart" in front of any device (phone, TV, fridge etc) denotes one thing: it is easily hackable. Channel 9's 60 Minutes programme ran a live test of how an ethical hacker intercepted and recorded an international phone call and text messages with consummate ease.