Smishing poses a real threat to all mobile users, this is why Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) has come out with tips to help keep your account safe at all times.
The term smishing combines SMS (short message services or texting) with phishing, in which cyber criminals send fraudulent emails to trick the recipient into clicking a malicious link. As smishing happens via text or messaging apps, victims are deceived into giving sensitive information to a disguised attacker.
There are two common methods that cybercriminals use for smishing. First is by sending the recipient a link to download malware on their smartphone where you might type confidential information that will be sent directly to the attacker. The second is by sending a link that will lead to a fake website in which the victim might be scammed into submitting personal data.
In other words, smishing relies on the exploitation of one’s trust by posing as a credible individual or organization. These can be disguised in many forms like a contact tracing form, fake job opportunities, financial services, free products, invoice or order confirmation, customer support, and more.
With that out of the way, here are three simple and smart tips to keep your account safe at all times:
- Block numbers that send spam. Immediately take yourself out of the attacker’s range by blocking unknown numbers with suspicious messages and links.
- Never share your password or one-time pin (OTP) as a reply to a random message. Be very suspicious of calls, e-mails, SMS, o social media messages asking for this information. Moreover, only input your password or OTP on official and legitimate websites and platforms.
- Don’t click links that are suspicious. Always be wary of links that you receive via text from unknown numbers.
It’s important to stay vigilant and keep your guards up, especially because cybercriminals are constantly finding ways to hack the system to scam whoever they can.
For more tips, you can click here. Additionally, you can follow the official Smart Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for its latest offers, promos, and services.
Ram found his love and appreciation for writing in 2015 having started in the gaming and esports sphere for GG Network. He would then transition to focus more on the world of tech which has also began his journey into learning more about this world. That said though, he still has the mentality of "as long as it works" for his personal gadgets.
