SMS phishing<\/a>,” is a type of cyber attack in which malicious actors use text messages (SMS) to deceive individuals into taking specific actions or revealing sensitive information. Smishing attacks typically involve the use of social engineering techniques to trick recipients into clicking on links, downloading malicious apps, or providing confidential information, such as personal identification numbers (PINs), passwords, credit card numbers, or other personal data.<\/p>\n\n\n\nHere’s an example of a smishing attack to illustrate how these text message phishing attempts work:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Scenario: Fake Delivery Package Notification<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n- Initial Text Message:<\/strong> You receive a text message on your mobile phone from an unknown number. The message appears to be from a well-known delivery service, and it reads, “Hello [Your Name], your package is ready for delivery. Please click this link to track your package’s status: [malicious link].”<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Impersonation:<\/strong> The text message uses the branding and logo of a popular delivery company, making it seem legitimate.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Urgent and Tempting Offer:<\/strong> The message claims that you have a package on the way, creating a sense of excitement and urgency. It prompts you to click on the provided link to track the package’s status.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Instructions to Click a Link:<\/strong> The message includes a hyperlink, which is designed to look like a legitimate tracking link. It appears to lead to the delivery service’s website.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Fake Website:<\/strong> When you click the link, it takes you to a website that mimics the delivery service’s official site. The fake website displays a tracking page where it asks you to enter your personal information and payment details for “verification.”<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Request for Information:<\/strong> To proceed with the tracking, the fake website requests your name, address, credit card number, and the three-digit security code. It claims this information is necessary to ensure your package gets delivered.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Consequences:<\/strong> If you enter your information as requested, the attackers behind the smishing attack now have your credit card information and personal details, which they can use for financial fraud, identity theft, or unauthorized transactions.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
Difference: Vishing vs Phishing vs Smishing<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
After knowing what each of the attack does, it’s also important to know the basic differences. This can help us break down into a simpler form of Vishing vs Phishing vs Smishing. Let’s see them below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n