Vishing (Voice Phishing) and Smishing (SMS Phishing) are forms of social engineering attacks that aim to manipulate victims into disclosing sensitive information. Unlike traditional phishing, these attacks target individuals through phone calls and text messages, respectively.
1. Vishing (Voice Phishing)
Definition:
Vishing involves fraudulent phone calls where attackers impersonate trusted entities, such as banks, government agencies, or tech support, to extract sensitive data like credit card numbers, passwords, or social security numbers.
Common Techniques:
- Caller ID Spoofing: Masking the caller’s identity to appear as a legitimate organization.
- Automated Voice Messages: Pre-recorded messages that prompt users to provide personal information.
- Impersonation of Support Teams: Pretending to be IT support to gain access to systems.
Targets:
- Bank account holders
- Employees with access to company systems
- Elderly individuals (common in scam calls)
Real-World Example:
A scammer posing as a bank representative calls a customer, claiming suspicious activity on their account and requesting login credentials for “verification.”
Impact:
- Financial fraud
- Identity theft
- Loss of sensitive company data
2. Smishing (SMS Phishing)
Definition:
Smishing involves deceptive text messages that lure victims into clicking malicious links, providing credentials, or downloading malware.
Common Techniques:
- Fake Account Alerts: Messages claiming unauthorized transactions or account suspension.
- Fake Delivery Notifications: SMS claiming a package delivery issue with a link to resolve it.
- Survey Scams: Promising rewards or gift cards in exchange for personal details.
Targets:
- Mobile banking users
- Online shoppers
- Corporate employees
Real-World Example:
A message from a fake courier service asking the recipient to click on a link to update delivery details, leading to a phishing website.
Impact:
- Compromise of personal and financial data
- Malware installation on devices
- Unauthorized access to bank accounts
3. Key Differences at a Glance
| Attack Type | Communication Channel | Target Audience | Common Tactics |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vishing | Phone calls (voice-based) | Bank customers, employees, elderly individuals | Caller ID spoofing, impersonation, automated messages |
| Smishing | SMS (text messages) | Mobile banking users, online shoppers | Fake alerts, phishing links, malware downloads |
4. Prevention and Mitigation Strategies
Avoid sharing personal information over the phone or text
Verify the authenticity of callers and messages
Use call-blocking and SMS-filtering apps
Enable multi-factor authentication (MFA) for accounts
Educate employees and individuals on social engineering tactics