Perth – October 2025 — What began as an ordinary work trip turned into a cyber nightmare for Perth-based videographer Casey Grogan, who discovered that hackers had infiltrated his email, social media, and even personal files, all allegedly after connecting to hotel Wi-Fi. The shocking breach has sparked renewed warnings from cybersecurity experts about the dangers of using unsecured public networks.
The Hack That Started With an Email
Grogan, who runs a small media and videography business from home, first realized something was wrong when a client in the U.S. messaged him on WhatsApp, asking if his bank details had changed. The client had received an email from Grogan’s address requesting payment to a new account, but the tone seemed suspicious.
“That message saved me,” Grogan said. “They’d hacked my email and were trying to redirect payments. I made a new address immediately, but somehow they got into that too.”
Upon investigation, Grogan learned the hackers had accessed nearly every digital corner of his life, from Google accounts to Facebook, Instagram, and personal files. “They deleted photos of passports, emails… they knew where I was going. It’s terrifying,” he added.
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Public Wi-Fi: The Silent Gateway for Hackers
Grogan suspects the breach occurred during a recent work trip to Victoria, after noticing his laptop slow down following a hotel Wi-Fi connection.
Cyber experts say this is a textbook case. WA Consumer Protection Commissioner Trish Blake warned that public or shared Wi-Fi — like in hotels, airports, and cafés — remains a major weak link.
“If you’re on free Wi-Fi, just browse or check maps. Don’t ever access emails or bank accounts,” Blake advised. “We’ve seen people lose thousands of dollars after connecting to cruise ship or café Wi-Fi. Those networks are wide open.”
Following the pandemic, as more professionals began working remotely, payment redirection scams and Wi-Fi-based hacks surged across Australia.
Digital Defense: How to Stay Safe Online
Blake emphasized the need for virus protection software on phones, not just computers. “Your phone is a mini-computer — it needs the same protection,” she said, urging users to install paid antivirus apps from trusted providers.
She also highlighted multi-factor authentication (MFA) as one of the strongest defenses against hackers.
“Yes, it’s annoying,” she admitted, “but being mildly irritated is better than losing your savings. Scammers can steal your password, not your face.”
In Western Australia, residents can now lock their driver’s license online, preventing identity misuse. The feature allows users to temporarily unlock it for credit applications and relock it instantly afterward.
“It Feels Like a Break-In” — The Human Cost of Cybercrime
Although Grogan managed to stop the hackers before losing large sums, the emotional toll has been immense.
“It’s like someone breaking into your home,” he said. “You spend money on security cameras so your TV isn’t stolen, but one wrong click online can expose your entire life.”
Blake agreed, noting that cybercrime victims often experience trauma similar to physical break-ins.
“It’s invasive, it’s personal, and it’s absolutely a crime,” she said. “We regularly refer victims to counselling because the impact goes far beyond financial loss.”
Conclusion
Grogan’s ordeal serves as a chilling reminder that cybersecurity is no longer optional — it’s personal safety in the digital age. From installing antivirus software to avoiding public Wi-Fi for sensitive tasks, experts stress that awareness and prevention are the first line of defense.
