What is smashing? How phishing via text message works and How To Avoid?

What is smishing? How phishing via text message works and How To Avoid Smishing.

Don't let the cute name fool you, smishing (a portmanteau of 'SMS' and 'phishing') is a cyberattack that uses misleading text messages to trick victims into sharing valuable information, installing malware, or giving away money.

What is smishing exactly?

Smishing attacks employ similar tactics to phishing schemes but use SMS text messages rather than emails. This is what "smishing" (SMS+phishing) is called.

Four Types of smishing attacks

Smishing attacks can take on many bureaucracies, but those four are some of the most commonplace you’ll run into.

• “Urgent” messages about your credit score card or bank account.
• Fake messages relied on manufacturers.
• Fake survey hyperlinks
• Notifications you’ve received something

How to Avoid Smishing

Smishing can be a severe threat. However, the strategies to avoid it are the same as those used to stop phishing attempts and other internet scams.

The first step is to sign up for SMS spam filters. But don't expect them all to do the heavy lifting. T-Mobile, AT&T, and Verizon are improving at blocking spam texts and smishing campaign spam messages. However, their server-side filters are proactive and will always be behind spammers. You should also enable spam filters on your Android device in whatever texting app you use.