Smishing: What Is It & How To Protect Yourself
At this point, you’re likely pretty familiar with the term ‘phishing’. (In case you’re not, you can read about it here). But now, you keep hearing a similar new term, ‘smishing’. So what does it mean, and why is it so dangerous?
What is Smishing?
According to Kaspersky, “smishing is a phishing cybersecurity attack carried out over mobile text messaging, also known as SMS phishing.”
When cybercriminals "phish," they send fraudulent emails that seek to trick the recipient into clicking on a malicious link. Smishing does the exact same thing, except it uses text messages instead of email. It occurs on many mobile text messaging platforms, including non-SMS channels like data-based mobile messaging apps.
To steal data, cybercriminals frequently choose one of two techniques:
Malware: The smishing URL link may deceive you into installing harmful software, or malware, which then sets up shop on your phone. This SMS spyware may pose as a trustworthy software and fool you into putting in private information, which would then be sent to the hackers.
Malicious website: The smishing message's link can take you to a bogus website that asks you to provide sensitive personal data. To more easily steal your information, cybercriminals create rogue websites that impersonate legitimate ones.
How to Know If You’re Being Smished
Most people know about the risks of email fraud by now. We’ve all learned to be suspicious of emails that come from unknown sources and include urgent messages or unusual links. But most people are less wary of their phones. Many assume that their smartphones are more secure than computers or that cybercriminals are not targeting them via text message.
The majority of the text messages you get are going to be totally fine, but smishing and other smartphone cyber attacks are on the rise. It only takes you letting your guard down once to compromise your security. Some common signs of smishing attacks include:
SMS messages that come from a phone number that doesn’t look like a phone number, such as a “5000” phone number. This is a sign that the text message is actually just an email sent to a phone.
Messages that create a sense of urgency. Urgent account updates and limited time offers are common signs of possible smishing.
Messages from unknown numbers that include links.
Messages from known contacts that seem out of context or include a link you did not ask them to send.
Messages using unnatural or ungrammatical language.
Messages containing offers that seem too good to be true.
How to Prevent Smishing
In general, you shouldn’t reply to text messages from people you don’t know or open included links. That’s the best way to remain safe. Here are a few other ways to protect yourself against smishing attacks.
Take a pause. Limited-time offers and urgent account updates can be regarded as warning indicators of potential smishing. Keep an open mind and move cautiously.
Directly contact your bank or retailer. Genuine organizations never text for account updates or login information. Additionally, you can check any urgent notices directly on your online accounts or by calling a designated phone helpline.
Message links and contact information should not be used. In messages that make you uneasy, refrain from using links or contact information. When possible, use the official channels for communication.
Don't save credit card information on your phone. Never storing financial information in a digital wallet is the greatest approach to prevent it from being taken.
Make use of MFA (multi-factor authentication). A smishing attacker may still be unable to access an exposed password if the compromised account needs a second "key" for verification. Two-factor authentication (2FA), the most popular MFA variation, frequently employs a text message verification code. There are stronger variations available, including using a specialized app (like Google Authenticator) for verification.
Never text someone your password or account recovery code. Passwords and recovery codes for two-factor authentication (2FA) sent by text message both put your account at risk if they fall into the wrong hands. Use this information exclusively on official websites and never divulge it to anyone.
As this type of cyber attack increases in frequency and creativity, it’s important to always remember to think twice about any message that comes from an unknown source, seems out of context, or asks you to act quickly - regardless of the messaging channel.
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