Author: Shaun Peapell, VP of Global Threat Services
As a mature Red Team and Simulated Attack house, we often look to leverage numerous ways to trick target users to carry out actions useful to us attackers.
Social engineering can take many guises, however, in this blog I want to focus on SMiShing, or SMS phishing attacks and how you can better protect yourself.
Mobile devices have become an integral part of our daily lives, attackers have devised new methods to exploit unsuspecting users. SMSishing attacks, a form of phishing conducted via SMS (Short Message Service), pose a significant threat to personal information and financial security. In this blog post, we will explore SMSishing attacks and provide practical recommendations to protect yourself from falling victim to these deceptive schemes.
Stay Vigilant and Question Unexpected Messages:
Be cautious when receiving unexpected or unsolicited messages, especially those requesting sensitive information or urging immediate action. Fraudulent SMSishing messages often attempt to create a sense of urgency or exploit emotions to manipulate victims into sharing personal data.
Verify the Sender’s Identity:
SMSishing messages can appear to be from legitimate organisations or known contacts. However, attackers often disguise or spoof their identities. Always verify the sender’s identity through alternative means, such as directly contacting the organisation or individual using verified contact information.
Avoid Clicking on Suspicious Links:
Refrain from clicking on links within SMS messages from unknown or untrusted sources. These links may lead to malicious websites designed to trick users into divulging sensitive information or infect their devices with malware. When in doubt, manually enter URLs into your browser or use a trusted search engine to access the desired website.
Be Wary of Requests for Personal Information:
Legitimate organisations rarely request sensitive information, such as passwords, Social Security numbers, or financial details, via SMS. Avoid responding to such requests, and never provide personal information unless you have verified the legitimacy of the sender through a trusted channel.
Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA):
Implementing 2FA adds an extra layer of security to your accounts. Even if an attacker obtains your login credentials through SMSishing, they would still require the second factor, such as a unique code generated by an authentication app or received via a separate communication channel, to access your account.
Use Security Software and Keep Devices Updated:
Install reputable security software on your mobile devices to detect and protect against malware, including SMSishing attacks. Regularly update your operating system and applications to ensure you have the latest security patches, reducing the risk of exploitation through known vulnerabilities.
Report and Block Suspicious Numbers:
If you receive a suspicious SMSishing message, report it to your mobile service provider or the appropriate authorities. Additionally, block the sender’s number to prevent further communication attempts.
Educate Yourself and Spread Awareness:
Stay informed about the latest SMSishing techniques and attack vectors. Educate yourself and others about the risks and best practices to protect against SMSishing attacks. By spreading awareness, you can help create a safer digital environment for everyone.
Conclusion: SMSishing attacks continue to pose a significant threat to mobile device users. By staying vigilant, verifying sender identities, avoiding suspicious links, refraining from sharing personal information, enabling 2FA, using security software, reporting suspicious messages, and spreading awareness, you can fortify your defences against SMSishing attacks. Remember, maintaining a cautious mindset and practicing good security hygiene are crucial in protecting yourself and your sensitive information from falling into the hands of malicious actors.
Should your organisation wish to understand more about SMiShing attacks, Rootshell can deliver simulated targeted SMiShing campaigns to help you and your staff better prepare and learn what to look for!
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