Smishing Attacks: How to Stay Safe from SMS Phishing Scams

Smishing is a growing cybersecurity threat that targets individuals through SMS messages or text messaging, and increasingly through messaging apps like WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger. These attacks aim to trick users into revealing sensitive information or clicking on malicious links. Understanding smishing and taking proactive steps is essential to protect your personal information.

What is Smishing?

Smishing, short for SMS phishing, is a type of social engineering attack that uses text messages to manipulate users. Smishing messages often appear to come from legitimate sources such as banks, government agencies, or trusted companies. These messages typically create a sense of urgency or threat to prompt immediate action. According to a recent 2025 summary, about 75% of organisations reported experiencing smishing attacks in 2023.

How Smishing Attacks Work

Smishing is similar to traditional phishing attacks. Attackers send messages that appear authentic, often asking the recipient to click a link or reply with sensitive information like passwords, account numbers, or other personal data. Once obtained, this information can be used to commit fraud, steal identities, or install malware.

Research by Symantec indicates that smishing is highly effective, with approximately one in three recipients responding to a smishing message. The consequences can be severe, including:

• Financial loss
• Identity theft
• Malware infections
• Long-term credit and reputational damage

Scammers often collect personal information from social media profiles or public databases to create convincing messages, making awareness and caution essential.

How to Protect Yourself from Smishing Attacks

Follow these best practices to safeguard your information and reduce the risk of falling victim to smishing:

1. Verify the Sender

Before responding to any message, confirm the sender’s authenticity. If a message appears to be from a bank or government agency, visit the official website or call their support line directly.

2. Be Cautious of Links

Avoid clicking on links unless you are certain they are safe. Hover over links to see the actual URL before clicking.

3. Do Not Provide Sensitive Information

Never share passwords, account numbers, or financial information via text message. Only provide sensitive data over secure, encrypted channels.

4. Use Security Software

Install and regularly update security software on your mobile devices to detect and block malicious activity.

5. Report Suspicious Messages

If you receive a suspicious message, report it to the relevant organisation or local law enforcement.

By staying vigilant and following these steps, you can significantly reduce your risk of smishing attacks and protect your personal information.

How Can Businesses Protect Employees from Smishing?

Businesses can safeguard their employees from smishing and other cyber threats by implementing a combination of proactive strategies. This includes using Human Risk Management Platforms, delivering automated Security Awareness training, running advanced Phishing Simulations, leveraging Risk Intelligence & Analytics, and ensuring robust Compliance Management.

By combining these tools with continuous education and safe digital practices, organisations can significantly reduce the risk of smishing attacks and strengthen overall cybersecurity resilience.