What is Smishing? An In-Depth Guide to Understanding and Avoiding This Cyber Threat

Do you have a cell phone and ever received a test message from an unknown or suspicious sender? It could well be a scammer.

Smishing is a form of cybersecurity scam which is delivered via sms message. The phrase Smishing comes from a blend of “SMS” and ‘Phishing”, which is the term used to describe a fake message that is sent intending to hack someone. We are all familiar with phony email messages where scammers pretend to be from a legitimate source, and a lot of the time these messages are picked up by our Junk email filter. Unfortunately with sms messaging, there is not a junk folder which filters the messages. Which is making this form of contact very popular with scammers.

What exactly is smishing, and how can you protect yourself from it? This article explains everything for you.

What is Smishing?

Smishing refers to phishing attacks that are carried out via sms text messages. In these attacks, cybercriminals use deceptive SMS messages to trick individuals into sharing sensitive information that would benefit the hacker, such as:

• Login information
• Bank Account details
• Credit Card numbers
• Important or sensitive personal data that can either be utilised or sold on the dark web.

Smishing messages often appear to come from legitimate organizations, such as banks, government agencies, or well-known companies, making it difficult for the recipient to recognize that’s a scam.

How Does Smishing Work?

Smishing attacks typically follow a predictable pattern. 

1. The Message: The attacker sends a text message. This message often includes urgent language, such as “Your account has been compromised” or “You’ve won a prize.”

1. The Bait: The message contains a link or phone number that the recipient is urged to click or call. The link usually leads to a fake website designed to harvest sensitive information.
2. The Hook: If the recipient clicks the link, they’re prompted to enter personal details, such as passwords, Social Security numbers, or financial information. Alternatively, calling the provided number connects the recipient to a scammer posing as a legitimate representative.
3. The Exploitation: Once the attacker has the now victim’s information, they can use it for various malicious purposes, such as identity theft, unauthorized transactions, or selling on the dark web.

Common Examples of Smishing Messages

Phishing and Smishing messages typically use consistent language and techniques which should always make you wary to whether it is legitimate or not.

• “Your bank account has been locked due to suspicious activity. Click here to verify your information.”
• “You’ve won a $500 gift card! Claim your prize by visiting [malicious link].”
• “This is the IRS. You owe back taxes. Pay now at [malicious link] to avoid legal action.”
• “Your package delivery is delayed. Update your shipping information here: [malicious link].”

If you are concerned that you have received a Smishing message, but not sure. We always advise not to click the link provided in the message, and go to the company or source directly using their legitimate website address. From here you can inquire if there is a legitimate concern about your account.

Why is Smishing So Effective?

Smishing is effective because unlike with emails, there is no junk folder in your sms inbox. A scammer only needs to send a message to your number and it gets straight through to your cell phone. The nature of the message then preys on our human instincts of concern, fear, urgency, and curiosity. Text messages have a higher open rate compared to emails, which means by nature we view sms messages at a higher level than emails, increasing the likelihood of the recipient engaging with the scam.

Smishing is particularly concerning for elderly and vulnerable members of society, who are at a higher risk of believing that the scam is legitimate.

How to Protect Yourself from Smishing

Defending against smishing attacks requires mostly vigilance, but there are also some best practices to follow:

1. Be Skeptical of Unsolicited Messages: If you receive a text from an unknown number or an organization, verify its authenticity by contacting the organization directly using official channels.
2. Avoid Clicking on Links: Never click on links in unsolicited text messages, especially if they ask for sensitive information.
3. Use Security Software: Install security software on your devices that can detect and block phishing attempts. TotalAV for iPhone provides a SMS Spam Blocker which detects whether a message is malicious and blocks the message from being received. This software utilises our advanced safe website detection and acts like a sms safety net.
4. Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Adding an extra layer of security to your accounts can protect you even if your credentials are compromised.
5. Report Smishing Attempts: You can report smishing messages to your mobile carrier or country organisation.

USA: Copy and forward the message to the FTC on 7726 (SPAM)

UK: Copy and forward the message to the NCSC on 7726

Europe: Cybercrime can be reported to Europol.

6. Educate Yourself and Others: Awareness really is the key. Learning how to recognize smishing tactics and we recommend sharing this knowledge with family and friends. Particularly those who are elderly and vulnerable and at a higher risk of falling for these types of scams.

What to Do If You Fall Victim to Smishing

If you suspect that you’ve fallen victim to a smishing attack, take the following steps immediately:

1. Change Your Passwords: Update your passwords for any compromised accounts. A Password Manager is a helpful tool for keeping your passwords up to date.
2. Monitor Your Accounts: Keep an eye on your bank and credit card statements for any unauthorized transactions.
3. Notify Your Bank: Contact your bank or credit card company to report the incident and freeze your accounts if necessary.
4. Report the Scam: Inform local authorities or a cybersecurity organization about the smishing attempt. Information for where to report Smishing attempts has been included above.
5. Enable Fraud Alerts: Place a fraud alert on your credit report to prevent identity theft.

SMS Spam Blocker

TotalAV for iPhone now has a SMS Spam Blocker feature which automatically detects and blocks scam text messages. This blocker acts like a safety net, utilising our advanced safe website technology to detect malicious web links. This feature is a great way of preventing scam messages reaching your cell phone, or the cell phone of friends and family members.

Remember, when in doubt, always verify the source of any unexpected text messages. Staying vigilant is your best defense against smishing.