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Safeguard your account against Smishing

By Parthapratim Dash
Smishing is a type of cyber attack that uses text messaging to trick individuals into providing sensitive information or visiting a malicious website. It is a form of phishing that specifically targets text messaging and SMS (Short Message Service).

In a smishing attack, the attacker sends a text message to the victim, often claiming to be from a legitimate organization or a trusted source, and asks the victim to click on a link or provide sensitive information, such as login credentials, personal identification numbers (PINs), or financial information. The link may lead to a malicious website that installs malware on the victim's device, or the attacker may use the sensitive information to gain access to the victim's accounts or commit fraud.

To protect against smishing attacks, it is important to be wary of unsolicited text messages and to verify the authenticity of any message or request for information before responding. It is also a good idea to use security measures such as two-factor authentication to protect your accounts and to keep your device and security software up to date.

Did you know that a combination of phishing and Short Message Service (SMS) text messages is called SMISHING? These messages are usually crafted to provoke an immediate action from the user, requiring them to share their sensitive and confidential banking details.  

In ‘Smishing’, the message can also ask the users to click on a link or call on toll free numbers. If the user clicks on the link provided in the message, then a malicious software can get downloaded on their mobile or a single click on the link can take the user to a malicious website in pretext of an offer, discount or account credit. The text message can also create an urgency, by informing an account closure due to delinquency or in need of an important information or even to register for a new programme.  
So, stay a step ahead of fraudsters!

 Here are a few Safety tips to keep in mind:
Avoid clicking links within text messages, especially if they are sent from an unknown person. But, be aware that attack messages can be received from a known person too. So, think twice before you click a link.
Do not respond to text messages that ask you to share your confidential financial information
If you get a message that appears to be from your bank asking for account / personal information, contact the Customer Care directly at the number provided on the reverse of your card or on the bank’s website
Beware of messages sent from a number ‘5000’ or some other short code number that is not a mobile number. Never reply or click on the link
If a text message is urging you to act or respond quickly, stop and think about it. Remember that fraudsters use this as a tactic to capture your sensitive data
Never reply to a suspicious text without doing proper research and verifying the source
Never try calling a contact number mentioned in the text message from an unknown number                                                 
                                     

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