What is Smishing?

Smishing is a form of phishing attack that targets personal data and credentials through mobile text messages. Similar to traditional phishing scams, it’s essential to understand what smishing is and how it impacts your customers. Let’s break it down for you.

So, what is Smishing and why does it work?

Phishing and smishing have more in common than just their unusual names. Both are social engineering attacks where bad actors attempt to trick users into offering up their data by exploiting familiarity and trust. They work because they target commonly used platforms where users feel secure and leverage situational coincidences. For example, if an email claims your flight is delayed and asks you to click and reconfirm your details, it’s far more likely to succeed if you’re actually planning a flight soon.

While email phishing remains a top threat, attackers have noticed that most users are now cautious about email links. Unfortunately, many people don’t consider links in text messages unsafe. Statistics highlight this vulnerability: SMS messages have a 98% open rate and a 45% reply rate, compared to just 20% and 6% for emails, respectively (Gartner). Attackers are increasingly leaning on mobile-based strategies due to these high engagement rates.

How does Smishing work?

When users receive a smishing text, it may instruct them to perform various tasks depending on the hacker’s goal. These could include clicking on a malicious link, making a phone call, or sending an email. For calls and emails, the attack continues on the new channel. If a link is used, it could lead to a fake site prompting sensitive data entry or trigger a download of malware, keyloggers, or spam.

Are Smishing attacks a large concern?

Smishing can be even more dangerous than email phishing because mobile devices often lack safeguards users rely on for email. For instance, checking a URL for legitimacy is more difficult on a mobile browser due to truncated or hidden addresses.

Additionally, while mobile phones are usually personal devices, the rise of remote work has blurred lines. Many users access work-related accounts and collaboration tools on their phones, making them prime targets. If attackers use smishing to inject malware or keylogging software, they could gain access to sensitive work information, potentially compromising the entire network.

As individuals increasingly use mobile devices for purchases, bill payments, and vendor communication, the risk of smishing grows significantly.

What can I do about Smishing?

Looking for some best practices to give your clients and their own end-customers to lessen the risk of phishing, Smishing , and even Vishing (voice phishing) scams?

Here are some top tips:

Beware of scare tactics:

Most social engineering attacks rely on fear to provoke irrational responses. If a text claims, “Act now before your account is closed” or “This is your final warning before being charged,” stop and think. If the message causes alarm, pause and verify the source.

Research mobile device management:

Mobile device management solutions give MSPs and IT professionals visibility into mobile activities. Features like application and browser security and suspicious link alerts can provide an extra layer of defense and valuable peace of mind.

Contact businesses directly:

If you think a message is legitimately coming from one of your vendors, whether that’s your bank, phone company, or any other – go to the source. Use the listed number of the business to get in touch and verify the communication, or enter the name of the company into Google and go to their website yourself to open a ticket or a request. If the communication is legitimate, they will have all the details on a centralized system. Better to be safe than sorry.

Delete before clicking:

There’s no such thing as “just checking” a suspicious link or message. If something feels off—delete it. Block and report the sender. When in doubt, it’s better to lose a minute of curiosity than risk a security breach.

Want to understand more about the psychology behind different kinds of social engineering attacks? Learn about the most common themes, and why they work – right here.

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