Smishing
What is Smishing?
Smishing is SMS-Phishing; messages that are sent to your mobile device to attempt to obtain your credentials (usernames, and passwords) or financial information (credit card, and social security numbers). While these may be a little easier to spot (“How did I win a $1000 Wal-Mart gift card if I never signed up for a contest?”), we should still be mindful that the potential risk is there.
Vishing
Similar to Smishing, Vishing involves the use of IVR (Interactive Voice Response) software by hackers to try to obtain sensitive information.
As with email phishing schemes there are a few steps we can take to ensure we aren’t targets of these two forms of phishing:
- If it sounds too good to be true, it just might be!
- If you receive a text message from a number you don’t recognize, do not click any links that may appear in the body of that message.
- Also if you receive a phone call from a phone number you aren’t familiar with, allow it to go to voice mail. Reputable businesses will leave you a message if necessary.
- Avoid sharing your mobile number.
- While there may be many offers/memberships that request your cell phone number, limiting the number of websites you enter your cell number into will reduce your risk of Smishing and Vishing.
Detailed information regarding phishing scams and other IT security topics are available on our IT Security website at: www.SecureIT.Fordham.edu or from our blog at www.itsecurity.blog.fordham.edu
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact IT Customer Care at (718) 817-3999 or via email to: HelpIT@fordham.edu.
