Among all the attacks that we can receive through messages, emails or while browsing, Phishing is one of the most important. Hackers constantly hone their techniques to achieve success. Thus they avoid not only security tools, but also that users mistrust. In this article we are going to talk about why SMS Phishing attacks are so successful and what to do to avoid being victims.
Phishing by SMS continues to rise
This is something that the vast majority of users have received at some time. These are text messages that basically pretend to be from a legitimate business or organization. They send us a small text informing us of a supposed error in our account, of an order that we are going to receive, a prize that we have won …
This text is accompanied by a URL . That link leads directly to a page controlled by the attackers. It can be simply a model to log into an account. But of course, it is a malicious link, which in reality what it seeks is to steal users’ data and passwords.
But why are these attacks so successful? Let’s see the main causes . Keep in mind that it is not a new threat, as it is a problem that has existed for a long time. The point is, success is not reduced.
Covers a large number of users
One of the reasons for the success of SMS Phishing is that it covers a large number of users . A message of this type can be received by people of all ages, countries, etc. It does not matter if you are an advanced user or someone who does not have the necessary knowledge.
This makes the probability of success always remain. Although users can learn more and more how to protect themselves properly, the fact that there are so many can cause some to bite the hook.
They play with time
Also keep in mind that they play over time. For example, on specific dates such as Christmas, they can send SMS of supposed orders that we are going to receive through Amazon or any similar platform. This is something that is not strange so users could click.
How many users make purchases online on these dates? Hence, there may be a significant probability that many end up accessing those malicious links that seek to steal passwords and usernames.
They make the messages more credible
But they also refine those messages . They make them more credible and even personalize them. We may receive an SMS that is actually a Phishing attack and is addressed to us. This also brings some confidence to the victim.
How to avoid SMS Phishing
We are also going to give some tips to avoid Phishing attacks via SMS. A series of actions that we must take into account to protect ourselves at all times and not have problems of identity theft through our mobile phone.
Always check the links
We must always carefully review the links that we are going to open. It does not matter if we receive it by SMS or by any other means. You have to make sure that it is really a legitimate address, that it does not have anything strange.
We also recommend avoiding logging in by entering from a link. Ideally, enter the address manually in the browser and access it. We will avoid problems that could compromise our security and thus prevent data theft.
Use security tools
Of course we must always have security programs . A good antivirus can prevent the entry of malware that we could receive through an identity theft attack of this type. It is something that we must apply to all types of devices and operating systems.
Upgrade equipment
In the same way, the devices that we are using must be updated correctly. Sometimes a Phishing attack allows you to download malicious software that takes advantage of certain vulnerabilities that may exist. It is essential that we always have the latest versions.
Don’t make our number public
Without a doubt, this can help reduce or avoid the amount of SMS of this type that we are going to receive. If we make our phone number public, they could be registered by bots that are responsible for sending these messages. It could also happen if we register on a website that is actually a fraud. We must avoid this.