What is Smishing?

Last Updated : 07 Mar, 2024

Smishing is referred to as SMS phishing is a type of phishing cybersecurity attack that is conducted by mobile text message. In this type of phishing, victims are tricked into providing private information to an impersonator. In this article, we will understand the workings of smishing, examples of smishing and more.

What is Smishing?

Smishing is a kind of cyberattack where targets are analyzed through text messaging or Short Message Service. The terms phishing and SMS are utilized in his phrase. Smishing attacks are a tactic used by cybercriminals to fool victims into sending sensitive or financial information, opening malicious links, and downloading potentially harmful apps or software.

Smishing scams can be dangerous in nature, difficult to detect, and simple to carry out. A successful smishing attempt could provide fraudsters access to your passwords, images, videos, and other private information. It could also act as a vector for malware to infiltrate your smartphone. Websites that promote fraud or malware can aid in SMS phishing. It arises across a wide range of mobile text messaging platforms, including non-SMS ones like data-driven messaging applications. The majority of messages are urgent and ask the receiver to reply with personal information or click on a link.

Why Do Hackers Use Smishing?

Attract user's attention: When sending text messages, people are frequently less cautious than when sending emails or conducting phone chats which puts them at risk.
Steal personal information: Smishing allows hackers to obtain a victim's private information including credit card numbers, usernames and passwords.
Install malware: Malicious URLs or downloads that install malware on a victim's device can be found in smishing messages.
Easily accomplished: Phone numbers have predetermined patterns, while emails are kept free to use unique characters or random letters.

How Smishing Works?

The attacker sends the recipient a smishing SMS message while assuming as a respectable company, bank or government agency.
There is a sense of urgency in the message as it asks the victim to take prompt action by clicking a link or phoning a number.
Once the message is opened, the victim contacts the number or clicks on the link which leads them to a phone number or phony website that appears genuine.
Sensitive information entry from the victim, like credit card details, social security numbers, login passwords, and personal identification number(PIN), may be requested. When the victim's personal information was revealed.

Examples of Smishing Attacks

Tech Support Scams: Consumers get a notification alerting to an issue with their account or device along with an instruction to call a tech support number.
Gift card scams: The communications urge the recipient to click on a link in order to claim a gift card or prize they purport to have won.
Account Verification Scams: In this kind of attack, the target gets a text message purporting to be from a reliable business, like a bank or shipping firm.
Malicious App Downloads: Users get an advertisement for a fun or practical app to download malicious App.
Tax scams: Many people receive letters purporting to be from tax agencies throughout tax season.
Customer Support Smishing: In order to trick you into solving a problem, attackers use the guise of a reputable company's support agent.

Defend Against Smishing Attacks

Eliminate any dubious SMS messages. Make that the operating system and security apps on the smart device are current
For further security, think about installing antimalware software on the device
If there's a sense of urgency in a message, take your time and move carefully. Limited-time deals and urgent account upgrades are signs of impending smishing
Since reputable organizations don't send text messages asking for account adjustments or login credentials, users should contact their bank right away if they have any questions about a notification.

Prevention Against Smishing Attacks

Keep an eye out for odd login locations and unexpected activity on your credit, bank, and internet accounts.
To stop such attacks, educate yourself and study up on how to recognize and react to smishing.
Spam can be sent to the number which is spelt spam. Customers including Verizon, AT&T and T-Mobile can utilize this service.
Notify any financial institutions that can help with the suspected attack, as well as your wireless carrier.
To stop identity theft from happening again, place a hold on the credit card in question with the credit card company.

Conclusion

In this article we have learned about Smishing. It frequently called as shing, a type of phishing cybersecurity attack that is conducted by mobile text message. In this type of phishing, victims are tricked into providing private information to an impersonator.