By understanding the tactics used by cybercriminals and implementing proactive measures, individuals can better protect themselves from falling victim to smishing attacks.
In an era dominated by digital communication, the rise of cyber threats continues to pose significant challenges to individuals and organizations alike. To subscribe please click tau.id/2iy6f and access our live channel.
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Recently, government agencies have issued warnings about the escalating threat of smishing attacks, a cunning form of cybercrime that targets unsuspecting individuals through SMS or text messages.
As technology evolves, so do the tactics of cybercriminals, making it crucial for people to stay informed and take proactive measures to protect themselves.
Now, a recent warning from the Indian cyber agency is against a new scam called ‘Smishing’ – a malicious practice that aims to deceive and defraud people through text messages.
What is ‘Smishing’?
The Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In) asked people to “beware of smishing attacks”, short for ‘SMS phishing’, and shared details of the new scam.
Smishing scams often masquerade as legitimate communications from trusted sources, such as banks, well-known brands or government agencies.
The messages often contain a call to action requiring immediate action to avoid some sort of negative outcome, such as bank accounts being closed or a message from the tax department.
The agency further explained that the latest scam utilises persuasive messages to trick people into revealing personal or financial information or committing financial fraud.
How To Avoid ‘Smishing’
- Never click on any suspicious link in SMS/social media charts or posts.
- Always check the link before clicking.
- Use updated antivirus and antimalware tools.
- Use a separate email account for personal online transactions.
- Be skeptical of messages that demand immediate action.
- Implementing two-factor authentication adds an extra layer of security to your accounts.
- Keep your operating system and software updated with the latest patches.
The following advisory has been issued by CERT-in to avoid falling prey to ‘smishing’. If you receive a suspicious text message, report it to your mobile carrier and relevant authorities. To report cyber fraud incidents, you can call 1930 or visit CERT-In’s official site – cybercrime.gov.in. Stay Alert and Safe with Khabri Media.
