SMS phishing on the increase
Thursday, July 3, 2008
Increasing numbers of internet fraudsters are making use of phishing techniques via SMS, it has been reported.
An article in Biz Community reveals that those companies who keep in touch with their clients by sending them text messages to their mobile phones could see their customers left at risk of phishers.
It was stated SMS phishing usually takes place when customers receive a message from what appears to a reputable financial organisation asking them to call a phone number to settle an alleged problem with their account.
Upon doing so they are then asked to give PIN numbers and other personal information which fraudsters then use to access consumers' accounts.
The publication warned businesses to make sure they send personalised SMS content to their customer and contain information in their messages which phishers would not have access to.
In their attempts at phishing protection, it was also reported that firms should ensure clients are aware of their SMS policies and that their overall marketing material is consistent.
Earlier this year, Janna Kiehl from the Better Business Bureau pointed out that attempts at identify theft on the part of internet fraudsters is "rampant" with such criminals now targeting prospective victims via SMS and email.
Related News:
Password security a tall order for many web users - 1.22.2010
A recently released study from tech researcher Imperva showed that the most popular password among users whose accounts were compromised in the recent RockYou data breach was as follows: 123456.
Facebook fixes "wrong friends list" mobile network security glitch - 1.22.2010
CNET reports that social media network Facebook has repaired a problem in the mobile version of its service that caused some mobile users to have full access to the friends lists of unassociated users.
Automated phishing scam hits bank customers - 1.14.2010
Phishing attacks do not target victims exclusively via email, experts say, pointing to a recent rash of automated phone calls that attempted to convince victims to give up sensitive banking information.
Scammers ride aftershocks of Haiti catastrophe - 1.14.2010
The Federal Bureau of Investigation has issued a warning to those who want to contribute to earthquake relief efforts in Haiti, saying that cyber criminals and other types of scam artists are trying to take advantage of an outpouring of humanitarian support.
Banking Trojans finding new vector with fake Outlook alerts - 1.11.2010
A spurious alert purporting to come from Microsoft Outlook has cropped up in recent weeks, according to a maker of email filtering software.
|
