Jacinta Tobin explains smishing – cyber attacks via SMS – and gives security tips
[datensicherheit.de, 06.04.2021] According to current media reports in the past few days, it should become one Theft of more than 500 million records on Facebook have come. Jacinta Tobin, “Vice President Cloudmark Operations” at Proofpoint, addresses the trend of so-called smishing in her statement and also gives a few tips on how to avoid your own risk to significantly reduce these attacks.
Smishing messages increased 300% per quarter over the past 12 months
“The theft of personal information on Facebook will undoubtedly lead to a significant increase in cyber attacks via SMS – ‘smishing’ -. It is a Trendwhich we were able to observe more and more frequently, especially during the ‘pandemic’ “reports Tobin.
So-called smishing messages have already increased by 300 percent per quarter in the past twelve months. The attackers primarily targeted private individuals. Tobin warns: “However, at the same time we have a worrying increase in attacks on Companies found: More than 81 percent of companies reported such an attack in 2020. “
Smishing abuses the name of a well-known brand
An important part of such attempted fraud via SMS is the abuse of the name of a well-known brand in combination with the request to respond harmful link to click. Consumers trusted mobile messaging more than their email.
In this respect, they are much more willing to read and access links contained in SMS texts. “This level of trust, coupled with the reach of mobile devices, is what makes the mobile channel downright ideal for fraud and identity theft“explains Tobin.
Anti-smishing tips
“We recommend that users use the spam reporting function of their messaging client if they have such a function. Consumers are also said to be very skeptical of mobile messages from unknown sources. “ It is important never clicking links in text messages, no matter how trustworthy they look.
Tobin advises: “If you want to contact the alleged provider, it is best to do so directly via their website and always enter the URL manually. Offer codes should also be entered directly on the website. “ Unusual sounding texts or texts from unknown sources should remain unanswered – “When users reply to such messages, they confirm to future scammers that you are a real person”.
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