What is smishing?

Smishing refers specifically to the practice of phishing that occurs through SMS messages. This cybercrime technique involves sending fraudulent text messages, often posing as a legitimate entity, to deceive individuals into providing sensitive information, such as passwords or personal identification. The texts usually contain links to phishing websites or prompts for recipients to call a fake number.

This method differs from other forms of phishing, such as email phishing, which targets users through emails, or vishing, which involves voice phishing via phone calls. Social media phishing, on the other hand, occurs on platforms like Facebook or Twitter. Each type of phishing uses its medium to exploit individuals, but smishing particularly capitalizes on the instant and personal nature of text messaging, making it a unique method of attack. Understanding smishing is crucial as it highlights the importance of being cautious with unsolicited messages, regardless of the platform used to contact individuals.