Understanding Smishing Is, Definition, How It Works and How to Avoid It
Definition of Smishing
In today’s digital era, it is very important to be aware of crimes that occur in cyberspace. One type of cybercrime that is often encountered is smishing.
Smishing is a crime in cyberspace that refers to phishing attacks via text messages (SMS). The smishing mode carried out by the perpetrator is usually in the form of tracking the cellphone number of the prospective victim by sending a message in the name of a trusted party.
Cybercrime like this aims to trick the prospective victim into clicking on a link containing malware and leading the victim to enter the perpetrator’s website. Because SMS is personal, sometimes it makes you less aware of the dangers of smishing.
Differences between Smishing and Phishing
Although it refers to Phishing attacks, it turns out that Smishing is different from Phishing. The following are the differences between Phishing and Smishing:
Phishing
Phishing is a type of cyber attack in which the perpetrator uses email, messages or other communication media to steal personal data. Phishing perpetrators will disguise themselves as trusted entities to trick victims into giving sensitive information.
The method used in phishing attacks is using email. In the email, there is a link that takes the victim to the perpetrator’s website to fill in credential information.
Smishing
Smishing is a combination of the words SMS and Phishing. Smishing is a form of crime that takes victims to the perpetrator’s website via a link sent via SMS.
This means that phishing and smishing differ in the media used to spread the link. Phishing uses communication tools, email and messages. While smishing is more specific, namely using SMS messaging services.
How Does Smishing Work?
The way smishing works is:
– Sending SMS
The perpetrator will send a suspicious SMS to the potential victim via a cellphone number. This cellphone number is usually taken from the results of data theft or an event number that is generated automatically.
– Fraud via SMS
SMS messages sent to potential victims are designed to manipulate emotions. Usually, the message contains attractive offers, urgent requests, prize winners and so on related to suspicious activities.
– Request for Sensitive Information
In the smishing message sent, the perpetrator asks the victim to enter sensitive information such as personal identification numbers, credit card numbers, financial information and passwords. The perpetrators of smishing attacks disguise themselves as trusted financial institutions, leading companies and so on.
– Use of Suspicious Links
The smishing message sent to potential victims contains a link that will lead the victim into the perpetrator’s website trap. The mode is, the victim is asked to update account information, claim prizes and view important messages that trick the victim.
– Theft of Sensitive Information
If the victim successfully enters the link and enters the complete sensitive information requested by the perpetrator, it is easier for the perpetrator to take the victim’s important information. This stolen information is then used for financial fraud, identity theft and illegal access to the victim’s account.
The impact of smishing crimes is identity theft, financial loss, operational disruption, theft of sensitive information, data security disruption, physical security disruption, reputation to the spread of additional malware. For that you must understand the types and how to avoid smishing.
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