In our last blog post, we talked about protecting yourself from malicious emails. Unfortunately, that’s not the only way that cybercriminals try to trick you into giving away your data. They’re also targeting mobile phones.

Here’s how it works: the scammers send out a text message, possibly claiming to be from a well-known company. Often they look like a notification that a courier attempted to deliver a package. These messages contain a link for you to click and rearrange delivery. But when you click the link, you’re taken to a spoof page which steals your information as soon as you enter it. This allows the scammer behind it to use those details to access your online accounts. Or gives them access to your device.

This is called Smishing – the cell phone equivalent of phishing.

What can you do to protect yourself?

• Beware of any unexpected SMS (text) messages asking you to take an action by clicking a link or calling a number. If you’re unsure if it’s a genuine message, contact the company directly using the details on their website or any paperwork you have from them.

• Be aware that smishing exists, and keep any eye out for suspicious texts. Just being aware of the issue is the first step in stopping it.

• If you get a text message that you think is a smishing attempt, do not click on any links in it. Don’t even open it to read if you don’t need to. Delete it immediately, and congratulate yourself on thwarting a scammer.

Soteria offers a variety of security solutions ranging from email filtering all the way up to enterprise-level fully managed and monitored security operations.

If you have any questions or would like more information about these or other products, we are only an email or call away.