What is smishing short for?

Smishing is a combination of 'SMS' (short message services) and 'phishing’.

What is smishing in social engineering?

In the context of social engineering, smishing involves attackers using psychological tactics through deceptive text messages designed to trick recipients into taking particular actions — like clicking malicious links or providing personal data or financial information.

Can I get a virus from opening a text?

Opening a text message is generally safe, but actions that may follow, like clicking a malicious link or downloading a malicious attachment, can introduce a virus or malware to your device.

What is the difference between phishing and smishing?

Smishing is a type of phishing. Phishing often refers to deceptive email scams, while smishing only uses text messages.

Is smishing a cybercrime?

Yes, smishing is a cybercrime that uses malicious text messages to commit fraud or steal personal information to benefit the cybercriminal.

Why do cybercriminals use smishing?

Cybercriminals use smishing because text messages are instantly accessible and illicit quick replies, making it a highly successful medium for scammers. The purpose is usually to steal a victim’s personal data or have them click a malicious link.

What do you do when a strange number texts you?

If you receive a text from an unknown number, especially if the content seems odd or too good to be true, don’t click any links, do not respond, consider reporting the number as spam, and think about blocking the number.

What is smishing? How to spot and avoid an attack

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