What is Smishing Attack and How To Prevent It?

Orange Lightning

Staying vigilant, verifying the authenticity of messages, and avoiding clicking on suspicious links or providing personal information, here are some things to know. 

1

Definition

Smishing is a type of cyber attack where scammers use SMS or text messages to trick individuals into divulging personal information.

2

Impersonation

Attackers often impersonate  legitimate organizations such as  banks, government agencies, or tech companies to gain trust and credibility.

3

Urgency and Fear Tactics

Smishing messages typically create  a sense of urgency or fear, such as claiming your account has been compromised.

4

Links and Numbers

Smishing messages may contain links to fake websites designed to steal your information or prompt you to download malware.

5

Protective Measures

To prevent smishing attacks, be cautious of unsolicited messages, especially those urging immediate action or requesting personal information.

6

Do Not Click or Respond

Instead, independently look  up contact information for the organization in question and  reach out to them directly.

7

Security Software

Install and regularly update security software on your devices to help detect and block smishing attempts.