Smishing is a type of cyber attack that uses text messages to try and steal personal information from unsuspecting victims. It is a form of phishing, which is a type of social engineering attack that uses deceptive emails or websites to try and get victims to reveal sensitive information. Smishing is a portmanteau of “SMS” and “phishing” and is becoming increasingly popular among cyber criminals.
What is Smishing?
Smishing is a type of cyber attack that uses text messages to try and steal personal information from unsuspecting victims. It is a form of phishing, which is a type of social engineering attack that uses deceptive emails or websites to try and get victims to reveal sensitive information. Smishing is a portmanteau of “SMS” and “phishing” and is becoming increasingly popular among cyber criminals.
Smishing attacks are typically sent via SMS or text message and are designed to look like they are from a legitimate source, such as a bank or other financial institution. The message will usually contain a link or phone number that the victim is asked to click on or call in order to provide personal information. The link or phone number will usually lead to a malicious website or phone number that is controlled by the attacker.
Examples of Smishing
Smishing attacks can take many forms, but some of the most common examples include:
• Fake bank alerts: These messages will usually claim that there is an issue with the victim’s bank account and ask them to click on a link or call a phone number to resolve the issue.
• Fake charity requests: These messages will usually ask the victim to donate money to a charity and provide a link or phone number to do so.
• Fake coupon offers: These messages will usually offer a coupon or discount code and ask the victim to click on a link or call a phone number to redeem it.
• Fake prize notifications: These messages will usually claim that the victim has won a prize and ask them to click on a link or call a phone number to claim it.
Protection Against Smishing
The best way to protect yourself from smishing attacks is to be aware of the signs of a smishing attack and to never click on links or call phone numbers in text messages that you are not expecting. Additionally, you should always be suspicious of any text messages that ask for personal information or money.
If you receive a suspicious text message, you should delete it immediately and not click on any links or call any phone numbers that it contains. You should also report the message to your mobile carrier and the Federal Trade Commission.
In addition to being aware of the signs of a smishing attack, you should also make sure that your mobile device is secure. This includes using a strong password, enabling two-factor authentication, and keeping your device up to date with the latest security patches.
Conclusion
Smishing is a type of cyber attack that uses text messages to try and steal personal information from unsuspecting victims. It is a form of phishing and is becoming increasingly popular among cyber criminals. To protect yourself from smishing attacks, you should be aware of the signs of a smishing attack and never click on links or call phone numbers in text messages that you are not expecting. Additionally, you should make sure that your mobile device is secure by using a strong password, enabling two-factor authentication, and keeping your device up to date with the latest security patches.
