Receiving texts from unknown sources requires caution. Cybercriminals use phishing to steal identities and spread malware. Since phishing’s introduction, this attack vector has grown and is unlikely to disappear.
Since 2003, Avast has been a member of the non-profit Anti-Phishing Working Group. “The worst quarter for phishing that APWG has ever observed,” the group said in its latest quarterly report.
Smishing is a type of phishing that has become popular among cybercriminals in recent years, but it is rarely discussed.
Cybercriminals use smishing, or SMS phishing, to take advantage of the widespread use of text messaging and the trust people have in text messages from trusted sources like banks and government agencies. SMS has a higher open rate than emails, so victims are more likely to see and respond to smishing messages.
Smishing—how?
These messages use email scam tactics. Text messages create a sense of urgency and try to appear time-sensitive, which can make victims act immediately. This attack vector is appealing to bad actors due to their high open rates (some marketing studies put SMS open rates as high as 98%).
Most spam filters block phishing emails, not text messages, which benefits cybercriminals. Cybercriminals benefit from SMS being opened on mobile devices, which are often considered safer by users but have a much lower antivirus software protection rate than personal computers (on which people are more aware of the risks that come along with not being protected).
The top smishing topics
Reading cyberattack examples is the best way to recognize smishing messages. These are the most common smishing attacks, but cybercriminals will go far.
Financial alerts: Smishers send text messages pretending to be banks or financial institutions, claiming that the victim’s account has suspicious activity and urging them to click on a link to fix it.
Package delivery notifications: Attackers may send fake delivery notifications claiming a package could not be delivered and asking the recipient to click a link to track it.
Tax alerts: Smishing messages from the IRS or other tax agencies ask recipients to click on a link to fix a problem.
Charity scams: Smishers pose as charities or non-profits and ask for donations via a link.
Lottery scams: These messages claim the recipient won a lottery and ask them to click a link to claim their prize.
Receiving text messages from unknown sources, especially those with links or requesting sensitive information, requires caution. Never click on links or provide personal information in response to a text message without verifying the sender. Even if you click on a malicious link, your phone needs protection.
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