Security Threat Guide
Understanding Smishing Attacks
The growing mobile threat that bypasses traditional security controls and targets your employees through SMS and messaging apps.
Table of Contents
What Is Smishing?
Smishing is a cyber-attack that targets individuals through SMS (Short Message Service) or text messages. The term combines "SMS" and "phishing," reflecting its nature as a text-message based version of traditional phishing attacks.
In a smishing attack, cybercriminals send deceptive text messages designed to trick recipients into sharing sensitive information, clicking malicious links, or downloading harmful software. These messages typically masquerade as communications from trusted entities like banks, delivery services, or even colleagues.
Why Smishing Is Increasingly Dangerous
1
Higher Trust in Text
Users are 4.5x more likely to open a text message than an email, and text messages have a 98% open rate, typically within minutes of receipt.
2
Limited Security Controls
While email security has matured, most organizations have no protection for employee SMS, WhatsApp, or other messaging channels.
3
Mobile-First Workforce
With over 3.5 billion smartphones worldwide, the attack surface has expanded dramatically. Employees can be reached anywhere, anytime.
4
Harder to Identify
Mobile screens make it difficult to inspect URLs, and limited context in text messages makes spotting red flags more challenging.
Smishing By The Numbers
76%
of organizations targeted by smishing in 2024
188%
increase in smishing attacks since 2021
$4.2M
average cost of a successful smishing breach
23%
of organizations have mobile threat protection
How Smishing Works
Smishing attacks employ both technical deception and psychological manipulation to trick targets into taking actions that compromise their security. Understanding this attack process is critical for developing effective defenses.
The Anatomy of a Smishing Attack
1
Target Selection
Attackers identify targets through data breaches, public information, or broad number ranges. High-value targets like executives are often specifically selected.
Targeting techniques: Data mining, phone number harvesting, social media reconnaissance, targeted industry attacks
2
Crafting the Message
The attack message is designed to trigger emotional responses like urgency, fear, or curiosity. It often impersonates trusted brands or contacts and includes a compelling call to action.
Common psychological triggers: Time pressure, authority figures, financial incentives, threat of loss, curiosity
3
Message Delivery
Messages are distributed through SMS gateways, spoofing tools, or compromised systems. Attackers can mask their identity using VoIP numbers or specialized services.
Delivery methods: SMS gateways, SIM farms, VoIP services, email-to-SMS, compromised phones, automation tools
4
Victim Interaction
When users engage with the message, they're typically directed to a fraudulent website, asked to call a number, or prompted to download malicious software.
Common interactions: Clicking shortened/obfuscated links, replying with sensitive information, calling fake support numbers
5
Data Theft or Malware Deployment
The attack culminates in credential theft, financial fraud, malware installation, or corporate network penetration. In business contexts, compromised mobile devices can provide access to corporate systems.
Attack outcomes: Credential harvesting, financial theft, malware installation, corporate data exfiltration, network access
6
Exploitation & Evasion
After the attack, criminals quickly use stolen information while employing evasion techniques to avoid detection and continue their campaigns.
Evasion tactics: Rapid domain cycling, disposable phone numbers, one-time use infrastructure, delayed attack execution
Advanced Attack Techniques
Multi-Platform Coordination
Modern attacks seamlessly move between channels, starting with a LinkedIn connection, followed by WhatsApp messages, and culminating in malicious document sharing.
Conversation Hijacking
Attackers insert themselves into existing message threads or create convincing message histories to build trust before launching their attack.
AI-Generated Content
Increasingly sophisticated attacks use AI to generate personalized, grammatically correct messages that reference organizational details.
Device Exploits
Some attacks exploit SMS vulnerabilities to trigger automatic actions or install surveillance software without user interaction.
Types of Smishing Attacks
Smishing attacks come in many forms, each designed to exploit specific user behaviors or organizational workflows. Understanding these common attack types helps security teams develop targeted defenses and educate employees.
Account Verification Scams
Messages claim to be from banks or financial services, warning about unauthorized activity and requiring immediate verification.
Example Message:
"ALERT: Unusual sign-in detected on your [Bank] account. If this wasn't you, verify your account immediately: http://bank-secure-verify.co"
Prize or Lottery Scams
Messages inform victims they've won a prize or lottery, requiring personal details or payment of a "processing fee" to claim rewards.
Example Message:
"Congratulations! You've been selected to receive an Amazon $1,000 gift card. Claim now at: http://amazon-rewards-winner.com"
Tech Support Scams
Messages warn about device or account problems, directing users to call fake support numbers or install "security" software that is actually malware.
Example Message:
"Microsoft Alert: Your device is infected with dangerous malware. Call our security team immediately: 1-800-XXX-XXXX"
Executive Impersonation
Messages purporting to be from company executives request urgent action, often involving gift cards, wire transfers, or sensitive information.
Example Message:
"This is Mark (CEO). Need your urgent help. Please purchase $500 in gift cards for client gifts. Will reimburse you today. Reply ASAP."
Delivery Notification Scams
Messages claim to be from shipping companies alerting about package delivery issues requiring verification or payment to release the package.
Example Message:
"FedEx: Your package delivery #3X72A5 is pending. Update delivery preferences: http://fedex-tracking-notify.co"
Tax/Government Scams
Messages claim to be from tax authorities or government agencies threatening penalties or offering refunds to induce immediate action.
Example Message:
"IRS ALERT: Tax refund of $1,482.00 is pending. Submit verification here to avoid processing delays: http://irs-refund-status.co"
Enterprise-Targeted Attacks
While consumers face numerous smishing threats, enterprise organizations are targeted by specialized attacks designed to compromise corporate systems or extract significant funds.
Multi-Channel Business Email Compromise
Sophisticated attacks begin with email reconnaissance, followed by targeted SMS messages to financial staff requesting urgent wire transfers or vendor payment changes.
MFA Bypass Campaigns
Attackers send fraudulent SMS authentication codes, followed by phone calls impersonating IT to trick employees into revealing multi-factor authentication codes.
Mobile Device Compromise
Targeted messages trick employees into installing seemingly legitimate apps that create backdoor access to corporate networks through compromised devices.
Supply Chain Impersonation
Messages impersonate key vendors or suppliers, requesting login credentials to "updated portals" or changes to payment information.
Smishing vs. Phishing vs. Vishing
Understanding the differences between these attack vectors is essential for comprehensive security planning. While they share similar goals, each uses different mediums and exploits unique user behaviors.
| Attack Type | Medium | Characteristics | Detection Challenges | Enterprise Risk Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Smishing | SMS, text messages, messaging apps (WhatsApp, WeChat, etc.) |
|
| Very High |
| Phishing | Email, fake websites, social media |
|
| High |
| Vishing | Voice calls, VoIP, automated dialers |
|
| High |
The Multi-Vector Threat
The most dangerous attacks no longer use a single channel. Instead, sophisticated attackers coordinate across multiple vectors, creating attack chains that are much harder to detect and defend against.
Example Multi-Vector Attack Chain
Initial Email
Reconnaissance email appears legitimate
Follow-up SMS
Message references email content
Voice Call
Call creates trust and urgency
Financial Theft
Credential theft or wire transfer
Real-World Examples
Examining actual smishing attacks helps illustrate their sophistication and variety. These examples demonstrate common techniques used by attackers and highlight the red flags that can help identify them.
The Growing Enterprise Impact
Smishing attacks targeting businesses have increased 135% year-over-year, with financial losses averaging $4.2 million per successful breach. Even more concerning, 68% of these attacks now involve multiple communication channels, making them harder to detect and prevent with traditional security tools.
72%
of employees say they've received work-related smishing attempts
59%
of successful attacks bypass email security completely
3.8×
higher success rate than traditional phishing
Business Impact & Risks
The business consequences of smishing attacks extend far beyond the immediate financial losses. For executives and security leaders, understanding these comprehensive risks is essential for appropriate resource allocation and defense planning.
Direct Financial Losses
The immediate monetary impact from theft, fraud, and operational disruption can be substantial and difficult to recover.
Risk Factors:
- Wire transfer fraud (average loss: $567,000 per incident)
- Ransomware payments following mobile device compromise
- Gift card and payment redirection scams
- Business email compromise facilitated by mobile attacks
- Recovery and investigation costs
Data Breach Consequences
When smishing leads to credential theft or network compromise, the resulting data breaches create extensive legal and financial liabilities.
Risk Factors:
- Regulatory penalties under GDPR, CCPA, and other frameworks
- Customer notification and credit monitoring costs
- Intellectual property theft and competitive disadvantage
- Legal liability from affected parties
- Insurance premium increases
Reputation Damage
The long-term brand impact can persist long after the technical incident is resolved, affecting customer trust and business relationships.
Risk Factors:
- Customer trust erosion (54% less likely to do business after a breach)
- Partner and supplier relationship strain
- Negative media coverage
- Competitive disadvantage in security-sensitive industries
- Recruitment challenges for top talent
Operational Impact
The business disruption following an attack creates significant productivity losses and opportunity costs throughout the organization.
Risk Factors:
- System downtime and service interruptions
- IT and security team diversion from strategic initiatives
- Employee productivity loss during response and recovery
- Missed business opportunities during crisis management
- Compliance remediation requirements
The Compliance Dimension
Modern security regulations increasingly require protection across all communication channels, not just email.
Financial Services
SEC, FINRA, and global banking regulations require monitoring of all client and advisor communication channels.
GLBAPSD2NYDFSHealthcare
HIPAA requires safeguards for PHI across all electronic communication methods, including text messages.
HIPAAHITECH42 CFR Part 2General Business
Data protection regulations apply regardless of which communication channel was compromised.
GDPRCCPA/CPRAPIPEDAThe Mobile Security Gap in Organizations
Where Current Security Falls Short
Email-Centric Security Posture
Organizations invest heavily in email security but leave mobile and messaging channels largely unprotected.
Limited Visibility
Security teams lack visibility into SMS, WhatsApp, and social media threats targeting employees.
Personal Device Risk
BYOD environments create security blind spots where attacks can bypass corporate controls.
The Complete Defense Approach
Cross-Channel Visibility
Implement tools that provide insight into threats across all communication platforms.
Comprehensive Training
Educate employees about smishing alongside phishing in security awareness programs.
Easy Reporting Mechanisms
Provide simple tools for employees to report suspicious messages from any channel.
How Scam Helper Protects Your Organization
Scam Helper Enterprise provides a comprehensive defense against smishing and multi-channel attacks through an innovative employee-powered security approach that bridges the gap between email security and mobile communication channels.
1
Simplified Cross-Channel Reporting
When employees receive suspicious messages on any platform, they can quickly report them through our intuitive mobile app or web interface with a simple screenshot or forward.
Submit via Screenshot
Capture and upload suspicious messages from any app with two taps.
Email Forwarding Integration
Forward suspicious emails to your dedicated Scam Helper address.
Universal Channel Support
Works with SMS, WhatsApp, LinkedIn, Teams, Slack, and any other messaging platform.
Mobile App Screenshot
Seamless User Experience
Our mobile app lets employees submit suspicious messages with two taps, providing instant feedback and security guidance.
Two-tap submissionWorks offlineMultiple channelsReal-time analysis
This is a smishing attempt!
This message contains multiple red flags indicating a sophisticated gift card scam:
- Impersonation of an executive
- Unusual request for gift cards
- Creates false urgency
- Sent from an unrecognized number
Security Learning
Executive impersonation scams often target employees across multiple channels. Always verify unusual requests through official channels.
Next Steps
This attack has been reported to your security team. You should not respond to the sender.
2
Instant Analysis & Security Education
Our AI-powered platform immediately analyzes the submission, provides the employee with actionable guidance, and creates a valuable learning moment that strengthens your human security layer.
Immediate Risk Assessment
Employees receive clear guidance on whether a message is suspicious and why.
Educational Feedback
Every analysis includes specific security education relevant to the threat type.
Contextual Learning
Real-time education at the moment of need creates 5x better retention than generic training.
3
Comprehensive Security Intelligence
While employees receive immediate guidance, your security team gains unprecedented visibility into cross-channel threats with powerful analytics and campaign correlation.
Attack Pattern Recognition
AI-powered correlation identifies coordinated campaigns across different channels and employees.
Real-Time Security Alerts
Security teams receive immediate notifications of targeted or widespread campaigns.
Detailed Reporting Dashboard
Comprehensive analytics on threats, employee reporting, and security trends.
Security Dashboard
Enterprise Intelligence Dashboard
The Scam Helper security portal provides comprehensive visibility into cross-channel threats targeting your organization.
73
Reports
This Week
5
Active
Campaigns
94%
Detection
Accuracy
Complete Protection Across All Communication Channels
Scam Helper Enterprise creates a comprehensive security layer that complements your existing email security investments by extending protection to every communication channel.
Multi-Channel Coverage
Protect your organization across SMS, WhatsApp, LinkedIn, Teams, Slack, and any other platform where attackers can reach your employees.
- SMS and text messages
- Messaging apps (WhatsApp, WeChat)
- Social media platforms
Employee-Empowered Security
Transform your workforce into a powerful security asset through contextual education and simple reporting tools.
- Real-time educational feedback
- Two-tap reporting on any device
- Recognition for security contributions
Seamless Integration
Enhance your existing security stack with additional layers of protection that work alongside your current investments.
- Works with existing email security
- SIEM and SOC integration
- API access for custom workflows
Protect Your Organization from the Growing Smishing Threat
Don't leave your organization vulnerable to attacks that bypass email security. Request a personalized demo to see how Scam Helper Enterprise provides comprehensive protection across all communication channels.
14-day free trial available for all plans