As a business owner, you are likely aware of the dangers of phishing emails. However, phishing attacks are not limited to emails alone. Cybercriminals also use text messages as a means of luring victims into revealing sensitive information or downloading malware onto their devices. These text message-based phishing attacks, also known as “smishing,” can be just as dangerous and tricky to detect as their email counterparts. In this blog, we’ll discuss how to identify phishing text messages and protect your business from these types of attacks.
What to Look For
- Urgent and Threatening Language
Phishing text messages often use urgent and threatening language to make the recipient feel compelled to act quickly without thinking. For instance, the message might say something like “Your account has been compromised. Please click the link to reset your password immediately.” or “Your package has been delayed. Please click the link to reschedule delivery.” The message may also contain a deadline by which the recipient needs to take action, which adds to the sense of urgency.
Be wary of any text message that uses urgent or threatening language, especially if you were not expecting the message. Always take the time to verify the message’s authenticity before clicking any links or providing any information.
- Suspicious Links
Phishing text messages often contain links to malicious websites or downloads that can infect your device with malware or steal your sensitive information. These links are often disguised to look like legitimate websites, but they may include subtle variations or misspellings that can be difficult to spot.
To avoid falling victim to a phishing text message, never click on any links included in the message. Instead, open a new browser window and navigate directly to the legitimate website to verify the message’s authenticity.
- Spoofed Sender Information
Phishing text messages may also use spoofed sender information to make the message appear as if it came from a trusted source, such as a bank or other financial institution. The message may also appear as if it is from a legitimate phone number or a known contact in your phone.
To avoid falling victim to this type of attack, be sure to verify the sender’s information before responding to any text messages. If the message claims to be from your bank, for example, call your bank’s customer service number to confirm the message’s authenticity.
- Request for Personal Information
Phishing text messages may also ask for personal information, such as usernames, passwords, or account numbers. Legitimate companies and organizations will never ask you to provide sensitive information via text message, so be wary of any message that asks for this type of information.
If you receive a text message requesting personal information, do not respond. Instead, contact the company or organization directly to verify the message’s authenticity and report the message as a possible phishing attempt.
Example of a Phishing Text Message
“URGENT: Your bank account has been compromised. Please click this link to reset your password and secure your account immediately: [insert malicious link here]”
The message uses urgent language to create a sense of panic, and it claims that the recipient’s bank account has been compromised. The link included in the message is likely a malicious website designed to steal the recipient’s sensitive information. If the recipient were to click on the link and enter their login credentials or other personal information, they would be giving the cybercriminals access to their account. This is a classic example of a phishing text message that can trick even the most cautious individuals if they are not paying close attention.
Conclusion
In conclusion, phishing text messages can be just as dangerous as phishing emails, and they can be difficult to detect. By being vigilant and aware of the signs of a phishing text message, you can protect your business from these types of attacks. Always be cautious of urgent or threatening language, suspicious links, spoofed sender information, and requests for personal information. We can help train you and your staff to recognize phishing text messages and emails. For a consultation, contact us here or give us a call at 504-454-6373.
