McAfee Coins SMS Phishing Term – Smishing


"Some cell phone users have started receiving SMS messages along these lines: “We’re confirming you’ve signed up for our dating service. You will be charged $2/day unless you cancel your order: www.smishinglink.com“. (This is an example and was not a real url at the time of writing)"

McAfee is warning again of potential security threats to cellphone users. The latest threat they are talking about is a (not so new?) phishing variant coming via SMS message – with the quoted details on type of message listed above.

They are warning that users are vulnerable to a trojan that will allow full system control to remote hackers, and result in their device being part of a botnet once exploit code has been run.

In order to be infected, users need to first follow the URL link contained in a message from an unknown party, then also download and install a program foisted on them when they get to that link.

Many will disagree – but McAfee is touting examples like this one as an indication that scammers and phishers out there are increasingly looking to target cellphones and mobile devices. 

Get more details and form your own judgement on that one:

SMiShing – an emerging threat vector


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