Smishing and How to Protect Yourself

With 5 billion people using SMS, hackers are increasingly targeting this communication method. In 2022, 68.4 million Americans fell for phone scams, with only 65% deleting texts from unknown senders. This form of phishing, known as smishing, aims to extract personal information or install malware via fraudulent links sent through SMS.

Common Smishing Scams:

1. Delivery Notifications: Fake links mimicking package tracking updates.
2. Bank/Credit Card Alerts: Messages about financial issues prompting immediate action.
3. Raffle Wins: Fraudulent claims of prize winnings leading to malware.
4. Password Resets: Fake two-factor authentication requests to steal account access.
5. Tax Season Scams: False tax debt or refund claims with harmful links.
6. CEO Fraud: Urgent, fake messages from higher-ups demanding information.
7. Ridiculous Messages: Outlandish claims to scam susceptible individuals, often targeting the elderly.

Protection Strategies:

• Educate yourself and your employees about smishing.
• Ignore and delete suspicious texts.
• Use official channels for any financial or urgent communications.
• Implement security awareness training and simulations.
• Install antivirus and malware protection on mobile devices.
• Regularly update employees on new smishing tactics and reinforce security protocols.

Being proactive and vigilant can help mitigate the risks of smishing and protect both personal and corporate information.

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