How to protect yourself from Smishing: Types of phishing

Phishing uses which methods?

Phishing refers to the act of tricking someone into clicking a link that the attacker controls. You can visit a fake website by clicking on the link in one of the examples. Phishing attempts can also take the form of texts, Social Media messages, deceptive websites, voicemail messages, or even direct phone calls. A postal phishing attack may also ask for a victim’s email address or web address.

You can create a phishing site that looks as real as a real one. In their study, researchers found that many people weren’t paying enough attention to realize that phishing emails and websites were fake, even though there was almost always evidence that they were fake (see below).

Attacks on your network can take many forms.

The reason it needs security is that if your network is compromised the attacker can control the entire communication channel. For example, the attack can route you to his malicious server where you may be lured into his trap.

Securing our network keeps us safe from intruders, avoiding unauthorized access to the data within the network.

Typically, they are carried out through the Internet. There are several ways hackers can gain access to your computer network. Trojan horses (malware) can be used, for example, to infiltrate your network. Also, social engineering techniques can be used to gain access to your computer network.

The following methods can be used in phishing attacks.

Links to dangerous websites

Malicious web links are usually included in phishing emails. You may be asked to enter your credentials into a fake but legitimate-looking registration page. As well as collecting your personal information, these websites typically download malicious software onto your computers, such as adware or ransomware.

Attachments that could be dangerous

Attachments that contain malicious macros are typically Microsoft Word, Excel, or other Microsoft Office documents. Malicious macros can download and install malicious software. Besides sending data from your laptop or desktop computer to another location, they can search for almost anything found on your computer or network. Phishing attacks can use any type of document as an attachment, including fax documents that are downloaded to your computer and viewed.

Form for entering fraudulent data

False data entry forms usually look like links to your bank. Filling out the fake data entry form allows [criminals] to gain access to sensitive information, such as login details, account numbers, and any other information that can be used to steal your identity or commit other types of fraud, such as doxxing.

Forms used by fraudsters to collect login credentials for social media or work are popular. Facebook has implemented two-factor authentication that requires a one-time password due to fake Facebook logins being so common. Twitter and LinkedIn have also implemented two-factor authentication.

Phishing Lines in General

Phishing emails are often written with an emphasis on urgency, according to Schachner. A loss of financial access can evoke emotional reactions. You can also use large events to make it appear that the recipient needs to click a link immediately. In response to the Covid-19 Pandemic, for example, new phishing subject lines appeared, including links to test sites or vaccines.

Phishing via short messages: smishing

Cyber threats to cell phone text message privacy are a growing concern for the U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Division’s IT Directorate, which offers tips to help Army officers avoid this scam.

Similar to email scams, cybercriminals use text messages to trick consumers into clicking links in the messages.

As opposed to email phishing, smishing involves sending a text message or SMS message to a person’s smartphone. Using social engineering tactics, cybercriminals can install malware on your device or steal your personal information.

Cybercriminals are well-positioned in the United States, where around 290 million people use smartphones. Vishing and robocalls are voice phishing attacks used by criminals to steal personal information, including financial and credit card information, from mobile phone users, and even landline subscribers. It has been recommended that people ignore or hang up on these types of calls, register the receiving number with the National Do Not Call Registry through the Federal Trade Commission, or block the number via their cell phone.

Cybercriminals are also increasing their use of smishing. Officials with CID say this fraudulent message may contain links, compromise the recipient’s personal information, or use the recipient’s personal information to commit fraud. To get a response to your request for cybercrime, please request a reply. Cybercriminals can come up with an unlimited number of smishing messages and fraudulent topics, as well as various phone numbers.

How does SMiShing work?

The term SMiShing comes from the combination of SMS (short message service), the technology behind messaging, and fraud, the practice of stealing financial or personal information through a fraudulent email. The goal of SMiShing is to phish using other methods, like texting on a mobile device.

The most common smashing attacks

Fraudulent account activity or locked accounts –

The recipient receives a message informing them that their credit card or financial account has been compromised. It leads to a website that mimics the recipient’s personal information or financial information by using a link that looks like a real web address for their financial institution.

Scam messages of prize-winning –

Prizes are something we all love. The recipient of a text message indicating that they have won the prize may be convinced, even if they do not enter the contest. Cybercriminals typically provide a link to a reward website or ask the recipient for personal information to collect the prize.

Delivery Updates for Purchases and Packages –

No matter if you shop online or not, you will receive a text message with an update about your purchase or delivery. An online retailer or shipping company has been listed as the legal name of the link in the message. When the link is clicked, malware is downloaded to the smartphone, possibly compromising the device or causing a mocking website to request personal information from the recipient.

Messages from IRS scammers –

Taxes for 2021 are due in April. The IRS sends content messages regarding re-calculating tax refunds, requesting financial and other personal information to process refunds, requesting information to avoid prosecution, requesting information to avoid the recipient’s social security number, and other tax-related messages Multiple.

Cybercriminals and scammers are still finding new ways to compromise users. By using the CID’s cyber directorate, you can avoid being victimized and be aware of the threats posed by today’s technology.

Smishing prevention tips

• Make sure you check texts from your financial institution, play them safely, and contact the financial institution at the phone number listed on its website. Legitimate text messages to the customers informing them of fraudulent activity or verifying purchase requests.
• If an SMS message contains a link to a website or text message, do not enter any financial or credit card information until the sender has been verified.
• Keeping your full name, date of birth, social security number, or any other personal information safe is a good idea.
• Update your smartphone’s operating system and mobile applications.
• Text messages from unknown senders or those that appear suspicious should not be clicked on or responded to.
• It’s best not to answer unidentified calls.
• Beware of text messages offering quick and easy money, coupons, and prize winnings.
• Phone numbers can be blocked on most smartphones. When receiving a fraudulent message, block the number and delete the message.
• Your mobile phone service provider should be notified about the fraudulent number.
• Taxpayers do not receive SMS messages from the IRS. Taxpayers and the IRS communicate via the S. Postal Service, which results in phone calls unless there are special circumstances.

Visit the ExterNetworks blog for more information about How to Identify Vishing and Phishing Attacks and computer security tips.

Testing, instructing, and protecting

SMiShing attacks can be avoided by educating your employees and ensuring they identify threats. To evaluate a unique attack surface against social attacks, the Social-Engineer Teaming Service is a valuable tool. Our SE (Social-Engineer) Teaming Service can include SMiShingam as part of the engagement. Your organization’s human network will be tested to see how well they understand how SMS attacks are done.