What is Smishing?
Quick Answer
Smishing (SMS phishing) uses text messages to trick recipients into clicking malicious links, revealing sensitive information, or downloading malware. These attacks exploit the trust people place in text messages and the urgency of mobile notifications.
Smishing, or SMS phishing, is a cyberattack that uses text messages to deceive victims. Like email phishing, smishing messages typically impersonate legitimate organizations—banks, delivery services, government agencies—and create urgency to click links or provide information. Smishing exploits the fact that people often read and respond to texts quickly without the scrutiny they might apply to emails. The limited screen space on mobile devices also makes it harder to verify links and sender information.
How Smishing Works
Message crafting
Attackers create convincing text messages impersonating trusted organizations with urgent requests.
Mass distribution
Messages are sent to thousands of phone numbers, often purchased from data breaches or generated randomly.
Link bait
Messages contain shortened URLs that hide the actual malicious destination.
Payload delivery
Clicking links leads to fake login pages, malware downloads, or premium-rate service signups.
Data collection
Stolen credentials or personal information is used for fraud or sold on criminal markets.
Real-World Examples
A text claiming to be from your bank about a blocked transaction, with a link to 'verify' your account.
A fake delivery notification from UPS or FedEx with a link to 'reschedule' or pay a small fee.
An IRS or tax authority message about a refund or problem requiring immediate action.
A message claiming your Netflix, Apple, or other subscription is about to be cancelled.
How to Protect Yourself
Don't click links in unexpected text messages — go directly to the official website or app instead.
Be suspicious of texts creating urgency, especially about accounts or deliveries you didn't expect.
Never provide personal information via text message in response to unsolicited contact.
Verify unexpected messages by contacting the organization directly through official channels.
Report suspicious texts to your mobile carrier (forward to 7726 in many countries).
How Marulk Helps
Marulk's phishing simulations train your team to recognize smishing and other threats through hands-on experience. When someone encounters a simulated attack, they get instant micro-training explaining what they missed.
Get startedFrequently Asked Questions
Why is smishing becoming more common?
People tend to trust text messages more than emails and respond more quickly. Mobile screens make it harder to spot suspicious links. SMS doesn't have the same spam filtering as email. As email phishing gets harder, attackers shift to SMS.
Can my phone get malware from a text message?
Usually not from the text itself, but clicking links can lead to malware downloads or malicious websites. Some smishing aims to trick you into installing apps outside official app stores. Keep your phone updated and avoid clicking suspicious links.
How do attackers get my phone number?
Phone numbers come from data breaches, purchased marketing lists, public records, social media, and random generation. Once attackers have your number, they can target you repeatedly with different scams.
Should companies worry about smishing targeting employees?
Yes. Smishing can target employees' personal phones with attacks relevant to work: fake IT notifications, 'boss' requests, or access to systems used on mobile devices. Security awareness training should include smishing scenarios.
Related Security Topics
Vishing
Vishing (voice phishing) uses phone calls or voice messages to trick people into revealing sensitive information. Attackers impersonate banks, tech support, government agencies, or company executives to steal credentials, financial information, or authorize fraudulent transactions.
Learn moreSocial Engineering
Social engineering is the use of psychological manipulation to trick people into making security mistakes or giving away sensitive information. It exploits human nature rather than technical vulnerabilities.
Learn moreCredential Phishing
Credential phishing tricks users into entering their login credentials on fake websites that look identical to legitimate services. Once captured, these credentials give attackers access to email, financial systems, and other sensitive accounts.
Learn moreIndustries Most Affected by Smishing
While all organizations face these threats, some industries are particularly targeted.
Retail Businesses
Retail businesses process customer payments, manage vendor relationships, and handle sensitive data across multiple locations—creating numerous opportunities for phishing attacks.
Industry-specific trainingE-commerce Businesses
E-commerce businesses process customer payments, manage vendor relationships, and run digital marketing—creating multiple attack vectors for phishing attempts.
Industry-specific trainingHealthcare Practices
Medical records are worth more than credit cards on the black market. For small healthcare practices, a phishing attack can mean HIPAA violations, patient harm, and devastating fines.
Industry-specific trainingTrain Your Team to Recognize Smishing
Knowledge is the first step. Practice makes it stick. Marulk's phishing simulations give your team hands-on experience recognizing smishing and other social engineering attacks.