Like most people, you have probably received a text message from a phone number that seemed a little “fishy”. The message may have claimed to be from your bank, asking you to verify your account information, or it may have promised you a gift card if you clicked on a provided link.
Smishing (also referred to as SMSishing and SMS phishing) is a type of cyberattack that uses text messages to mislead people into revealing sensitive information or downloading malicious software. In this blog, we will explore what smishing is, how it works, and most importantly, how to protect yourself from it. We will also provide smishing examples to show you how sneaky these scams can be.
Smishing is a type of phishing cyberattack that targets individuals via text message. The term "smishing" is a combination of short message service (SMS) — or text messaging — and "phishing". Like traditional phishing scams, smishing attempts to trick victims into revealing sensitive information or downloading malware onto their mobile devices.
Smishing messages may be posing as a legitimate source. They may contain urgent language, such as, “your account has been compromised” or “your package is being held at the post office”. Scammers may also use scare tactics, such as threatening legal action or fines if the victim does not comply.
One of the ways scammers get victims' phone numbers is by using public databases or purchasing lists of phone numbers from third-party vendors. They may also use social engineering techniques, such as posing as a survey or contest, to trick individuals into providing their phone numbers.
It is important to note that smishing attacks can occur on any type of mobile device, including smartphones and tablets. Scammers may even use spoofed phone numbers or fake caller IDs to make their messages appear more legitimate. We recently wrote a blog post about a smishing campaign that was spoofing individuals’ own phone numbers, making it appear that they had received a text from themselves.
Smishing works by preying on individuals' curiosity, trust, and willingness to help. Bad actors are often well-prepared with scripts that make them seem knowledgeable or legitimate. They may use industry-specific jargon, official-sounding language and even reference personal details to create a sense of familiarity.
Scammers may also use their charisma to manipulate victims. They may play on emotions such as fear, pressure, or excitement to create a sense of urgency or importance. For example, they may claim there is fraudulent activity on the victim's account or they have won a prize and must act quickly to claim it.
Smishing attacks aim to trick individuals into providing personal information, such as account numbers, passwords, or social security numbers. Scammers may also use links to direct victims to fake websites to steal additional information or install malware onto the victims' devices.
It is important to remember that scammers are experts at deception, and they can be compelling. However, there are some red flags to watch out for regarding smishing. These include unsolicited messages from unknown numbers, messages that contain typos or links with incorrect website names, and messages that ask for personal information or payment.
Preventing smishing attacks involves being cautious and vigilant when it comes to unsolicited text messages. Here are some steps you can take to protect yourself:
If you believe a smishing attack has targeted you, it is essential to report it to the appropriate authorities. Reporting smishing attacks helps protect you from further harm and prevent others from falling victim to the same scam. Here are some steps you can take to report smishing attacks:
Smishing attacks come in many forms, and scammers constantly develop new tactics to trick unsuspecting victims. Here are some smishing attack examples to look out for:
It is essential to be aware of these and other types of smishing attacks and be vigilant in protecting yourself against them. Remember to never click on links or provide personal information to unsolicited text messages, and always report any suspicious messages to your mobile carrier and the appropriate authorities.
At Compass IT Compliance, we are experts in cybersecurity, with a focus on helping organizations protect their sensitive data. Our team of certified professionals have spent the past decade assisting organizations in offering security awareness training to educate staff on recognizing and responding to cyber threats such as smishing. If you have concerns about smishing or any other cybersecurity threat, contact us online for assistance.
Do not let cybercriminals compromise your security and reputation. Let Compass IT Compliance help you build a culture of security in your organization and achieve and maintain compliance with federal, state, and industry regulations.