CTS Cyberbits is a monthly column on Cybersecurity that contains information on how to protect yourself online and new emerging threats to be aware of. In this month’s edition Campus Technology Services will cover texting scams.
When we think of cybersecurity threats and prevention, we often mostly consider things such as computer viruses or unwanted emails but any electronic communication method can be used maliciously. Text messaging to phones is one such example of this.
Individuals and groups that are seeking to take advantage of people will leverage texting as a method of attack as it is inexpensive to do and easy to cover up. By considering the following tips you can help keep yourself and those around you safe from falling prey to malicious texting:
- Phone calls and texts can fake who they are on caller ID, a process known as spoofing, to trick you into providing information. If you are unsure about a message you’ve received claiming to be someone or something you know, contact the party through another method to verify they sent it.
- Ask yourself if you’re expecting a text or call requesting information. If it is unexpected or seems threatening, show suspicion and do not provide further information without verifying who is contacting you.
- If a text message contains a link embedded within it do not click it. This could lead to malicious software attempting to be installed or a fake website intended to steal your information. Always check with the website you know and trust first to make sure the text notice was real.
By following these tips you can help protect your device and information from winding up in the wrong hands. For further reading on how to protect yourself from text scams and how to report them please visit the Federal Trade Commission’s page on texting spam.
If you believe that you may have submitted SUNY Oswego credentials or data to a scam text or page connected to one, please contact the CTS Help Desk.
-- Submitted by Campus Technology Services