Phishing attacks have been taking place ever since the internet became accessible to everyone. But as smartphones and mobile devices became affordable, we needed a new term Smishing is a name given to phishing attacks that take place over mobile devices. What is smishing? Similar to phishing, smishing is when someone manipulates you into giving […]
Phishing attacks have been taking place ever since the internet became accessible to everyone. But as smartphones and mobile devices became affordable, we needed a new term Smishing is a name given to phishing attacks that take place over mobile devices.
Similar to phishing, smishing is when someone manipulates you into giving sensitive information up. This often happens unknowingly, as the person manipulating you will try to look as authentic as possible.
At first, smishing was a single term for phishing attacks that happen over SMS. But people send messages to each other in all sorts of unusual ways now. Messaging applications like WhatsApp are a famous means of communication for the younger generation. These applications also suffer from smishing attacks and people fall victim to attackers every day.
Depending on the situation, the attackers might simply want access to your bank accounts. Or any other accounts to be honest. Your social media accounts are just as precious to these attackers as your bank accounts are.
But as two-factor authentication is becoming more common, that is a difficult feat to accomplish. Nowadays it is a lot easier to use your personal information for identity theft. What better way to accomplish that than by gaining access to your social media accounts?
Not to mention that attackers can also use your social media accounts to pose as you. And to send link to others on your friend’s list. They will undoubtedly be more likely to click on those links because it is coming from you as opposed to a random stranger.
Everyone should know how to defend themselves against smishing attacks. This is because anyone can fall victim to these attacks. People who have a technological background are not safe from smishing either. Attackers make sure to look as authentic as possible. In order to defend ourselves against these attacks, we should first understand how they work.
The most common smishing attack is a text message veiled to look like it is coming from an authentic source. For example, you receive a message that looks like it is from your bank. The message in question asks you to immediately log in and confirm your account’s balance using the link in the message itself.
Someone who is technologically savvy may notice that the link in question is not actually the bank’s link. At the same time, many people will fall victim to this fraudulent tactic. Essentially handing over their bank account password.
Attackers also use malicious software as another means to exploit people. Attackers do this by sending a URL via text message. Simply opening the website can in fact download something on your mobile device. Have you ever opened a website and received a request to allow notifications? Have you ever tried watching a video and it started a download without your consent? Or you just clicked on a button, and it opened five other windows. All of these are distinct types of smishing attacks. And yes, not all of them use text messages, but the term has grown beyond its original meaning. We no longer use it to only talk about attacks that happen via SMS messages.
User vigilance is the most crucial factor in protecting yourself from smishing attacks. Being vigilant and understanding what you are doing is important in this modern age. Especially on the Internet.
There are numerous things you can do to protect yourself from smishing attacks.
Make sure that the link you are clicking on belongs to the service that you think it belongs to. That is all it takes to protect yourself from a vast majority of smishing and phishing attacks.
Attackers often have typing errors or similar-looking domain names for their websites. For example, instead of Twitter, they might send you to the tweeter. This is just an example though but writing your credentials on a website like that will send those details straight to the attacker.
If a random stranger gives you a link to software that can make you rich quickly, it is a scam.
People unknowingly download applications without understanding the consequences. By installing an application on your device, you are letting it have access. Users also grant permissions to applications without thinking twice about it.
Many users do not pay attention to the permissions that an application requests. For example, malicious applications will often request access to various parts of your phone. Including but not limited to your location, microphones, and even your camera.
The worst applications out there request administrative access, which lets them do whatever they please with your phone and your data.
Attackers are always developing new methods of social engineering. They create new ways to gain your trust and find better exploit. This is why we always say that your cyber security is something that you should always stay vigilant about.
You may have noticed a trend with this guide. All of these safety tips are only useful if you pay attention to what you are doing.
Staying secure in the online world is getting more difficult as we move to a digital lifestyle. Smartphones have made our lives easier, but they have also made it easier to spy on us. Anonymity on online platforms is something that is slowly fading away. Many platforms now require an email address before you create an account. Even Reddit did not use to require any email address now does so. The so-called “anonymous platforms” still have ways to find out more information about you, making now, more important than ever, to focus on your cyber security.
Cybersecurity is a catchall term that encompasses everything from:
These are just a few of the many things that the term covers. There is no single way to ensure complete cyber security for yourself or your loved ones. But you can do a really good job by educating yourself, and others, about the different dangers that lie on the Internet.
It does not matter if you are using Facebook, Instagram, or any other social media service. In your account, you will find a section dedicated to your privacy settings. You should go through these every now and then to ensure that you know whom you are sharing your data with. Oftentimes, these companies add a new feature and enable it by default. So, make sure that is not the case with your settings.
Malicious people all over the world have password dictionaries. A password dictionary is a collection of passwords that are common, that people use most often. If you are using a common password, your account is not safe at all. Anyone who is using a dictionary attack against you will be able to get access to your account easily. This is why you should be using two-factor authentication.
If you do not yet have a VPN under your belt, then we recommend you pick up Turbo VPN right now. Public Wi-Fi connections are the least secure way of accessing the Internet. Any number of individuals can exploit the fact that you are on a public Wi-Fi connection that they also have access to. This is why experts all over the world recommend that you use a VPN when connecting to a public Wi-Fi connection.
Turbo VPN uses government-grade encryption technologies to ensure that you are safe on the Internet. Whether you are using a public Wi-Fi connection or simply accessing the Internet from the safety of your home, Turbo VPN has your back. It encrypts everything that your computer sends to the Internet. At the same time, Turbo VPN also encrypts everything it receives. Ensuring that anyone with access to your Internet network will not be able to snoop around in your packets.
In addition to this, Turbo VPN also uses a private DNS server. Make your Internet browsing habits completely private from your Internet service provider and your local authorities. If you are traveling to a country that censors the Internet, having a VPN is the absolute best decision you could make. For example, if you are going to China then you will need a VPN connection. Otherwise, you will not be able to access any website that you usually access, not even YouTube or Google. You should always prevent threads to your data and device.
