CNG Tech Bits - Technology Newsletter: Newsletter #1 - Smishing

Do you know what Smishing is?

Smishing is a form of phishing in which an attacker uses a compelling text message to trick targeted recipients into clicking a link and sending the attacker private information or downloading malicious programs to a smartphone. Users are much more trusting of text messages, so smishing is often lucrative.

How to protect yourself?

• The message offers quick money either from winning prizes or collecting cash after entering information. Coupon code offerings are also popular. Do not open the message or click on the link.
• Financial institutions never send a text asking for credentials or a money transfer. Never send credit card numbers, ATM PINs, or banking information to someone in text messages.
• Avoid responding to a phone number that you don’t recognize.
• Messages received from a number with only a few digits probably came from an email address, which is a sign of spam.
• Banking information stored on the smartphone is a target for attackers. Avoid storing this information on a mobile device unless you use a password manager app that encrypts the information. This banking information could be compromised if an attacker installs malware on the smartphone.

Taken from: https://www.proofpoint.com/us/threat-reference/smishing  

Examples of Smishing messages:

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