Political Spam is Surging: Protect Your Business from Smishing Attacks
As the U.S. elections approach, businesses in Austin, TX, and across the country are experiencing a sharp increase in mobile political spam and malicious smishing attacks. Reports show that political spam has surged by 67% in just the last few months, and with it, there has been an alarming 11.6% rise in smishing attempts—malicious texts designed to steal your credentials or personal information.This blog aims to answer the top frequently asked questions (FAQs) on the topic:1. What is the difference between spam and smishing?2. How can I report smishing messages?
3. Can CTTS help protect my business from smishing and mobile spam?
These spam messages often come from political action committees, parties, and candidates, but not all of them are benign. Some are outright scams, putting your business at serious risk. For CEOs and business owners in industries like healthcare, legal, nonprofit, construction, manufacturing, and professional services, it’s crucial to stay vigilant and take proactive steps to safeguard your organization.
What is Smishing, and Why Should Your Business Care?
Smishing (SMS phishing) is a tactic used by cybercriminals to trick users into providing personal or confidential information through text messages. These attacks can lead to data breaches, financial losses, and a damaged reputation—issues no business can afford to face.
With the rise of political spam during election season, these types of attacks are becoming more common. Attackers prey on the flood of political messages and the general public's familiarity with receiving texts from unknown sources during this time, making it easier for them to slip through unnoticed.
Key Steps to Protect Your Business from Mobile Threats
To prevent mobile spam and smishing from threatening your business, consider the following recommendations:
1. Be Skeptical of Unsolicited Messages
If you receive any unsolicited texts, particularly those asking for personal or business information, avoid responding. Even responding to seemingly harmless messages can confirm that your number is active, making you a target for more spam.
2. Don’t Click on Unknown Links
If a text contains a link from an unknown or unverified source, do not click on it. Instead, go directly to the website or service through your mobile browser or trusted app. This will help you avoid any potential phishing attempts.
3. Educate Your Team on Mobile Security Best Practices
Ensure that your employees are aware of mobile security risks. Regular training on identifying suspicious messages and handling potential security threats can significantly reduce your vulnerability to attacks.
4. Report Suspicious Messages
Both Android and iOS have built-in reporting features that allow you to report spam. On iOS, simply click “Report Junk,” and on Android, select “Report Spam.” You can also forward spam texts to 7726 (SPAM) to help mobile network operators block these threats for others.
5. Work with a Trusted Managed IT Services Provider
Partnering with a managed IT services provider in Austin, like CTTS, can give your business an extra layer of protection. Our team specializes in network security, ransomware protection, and Azure support, ensuring your organization remains safe from evolving cybersecurity threats.
Why Your Business Needs Proactive Protection
Businesses today face a growing number of cybersecurity threats, including mobile spam, smishing, ransomware, and more. To safeguard your data and protect your reputation, it’s essential to have a proactive approach. At CTTS, we offer comprehensive IT services in Austin, including network security, remote IT support, and IT consulting, tailored to meet the unique needs of your industry.
Whether you operate in healthcare, legal, construction, nonprofit, or professional services, we’re here to help you defend against evolving cyber threats. We encourage businesses in Austin, TX, and across Central Texas to take advantage of our **free security assessment** and learn how we can enhance your cybersecurity measures.
FAQs Answered
1. What is the difference between spam and smishing?
Spam refers to unwanted messages, often promotional or political, while smishing involves fraudulent messages sent via SMS to trick recipients into giving away sensitive information.
2. How can I report smishing messages?
You can report smishing directly through your phone's built-in features—iOS users can click "Report Junk," and Android users can select "Report Spam." You can also forward these messages to 7726 (SPAM).
3. Can CTTS help protect my business from smishing and mobile spam?
Yes! At CTTS, we provide expert IT support services in Austin, TX, focusing on network security and ransomware protection to keep your business safe from cybersecurity threats.
Ready to secure your business from the latest cybersecurity threats? Contact CTTS today to schedule your free security assessment, visit CTTSonline.com!