The Threats of Smishing Attacks on Small Businesses

Email phishing dominates headlines but it is not the only means cybercriminals use to hijack organization systems and steal business data. Smishing is another form of phishing attack which is targeted at mobile devices via the use of deceptive SMS messages.

Smishing attacks are not new but are less frequent compared to the more popular email phishing. However, smishing is no less harmful than other phishing attacks.

It involves sending fake text messages that contain malicious links to victims or directly soliciting personal information.

Increased usage of mobile devices in corporate environments makes smishing attacks more useful to cybercriminals.

Why Smishing is Becoming Popular
Smishing is becoming a favorite of cybercriminal groups because of its unique advantages.

SMS is an unauthenticated protocol which means anyone can assume the identity of anybody and easily gain credibility.

The small screen on mobile devices makes it challenging to vet and screen attached links.

According to MobileMarketer , the open rate for text messages of about 98% is much higher than email. Users respond quicker to text messages due to the long-developed habit of communicating and receiving important updates via SMS.

The use of shortened links is very common in text messages, even those sent by legitimate brands. Hackers take advantage of this by shortening malicious links and tricking users into visiting them.

How Smishing Works
SMS phishing works similarly to email phishing. An SMS is sent to entice a target to click a link, ask for specific information about victims’ private data or ask for funds. This may include requests for online account credentials, personal information that can be used for identity theft as well as valuable financial data. Links within phishing SMS may point to a credential-stealing website, malware to compromise victim phones and steal data.

Smishing attacks are commonly used with automated tools to assume reputable identities and send messages. Attackers also make use of VoIP online numbers that are untraceable to the sender.

Examples of Smishing Attacks

> Fake Technical Support Message
This one can be used to take over unsuspecting victims’ online accounts. For example, attackers can make calls or send text messages claiming to be from Gmail to notify a victim of an upcoming SMS for a fake account security verification.

Hackers then try to reset victims’ account login by using their attached recovery phone number. Finally, the recovery token code is obtained from the victim and used to reset the password and take over the target’s accounts.

> Fake IRS message
The attacker pretends to be an agent with the IRS and threatens a person or business with ruinous consequences if they fail to pay an alleged tax debt. Victims often part with money out of fear.

> Fake Customer Care Message
Here, impersonate customer care agents of well-known brands. They can use this pretext to fool victims into handing over their personal information or even transferring money to the attackers.

> Fake Invoice SMS
Cybercriminals pretend to be sending SMS from a reputable brand about an order that the victim recently placed. They use this to obtain money from victims in the guise of canceling the order. Hackers can also request victims’ private and financial information to hijack their accounts on the target system.

> Fake Covid-19 Contact Tracing Message
In this case, attackers may request that victims download a malicious app or visit a fake site for a Covid-19 contract tracing procedure due to their recent contact with a Coronavirus-positive person.

Protecting Your Business Against Smishing Attack
Smishing is not a new attack but its relative obscurity makes it more dangerous because it is often unexpected by victims.

In order to prevent smishing, smishing security awareness training should be a part of regular cybersecurity training. This will enable employees to understand various smishing techniques and how they pose a threat to business operations. Training will also help them identify common types of phishing SMS.

Smishing attempts should be promptly reported so a pattern of detection can be developed against them.

In addition, personal telephone numbers should not be publicly posted on online forums or blogs for whatever reason. Avoid replying to an SMS that you are not sure of its origin.

Since mobile platforms SMS have no sophisticated technology and traditional anti-malware software to stop smishing. Businesses must adopt special mobile security tools that can protect mobile devices against threats of smishing and similar attacks. In addition to conducting regular and sufficient security awareness training.

Don’t leave your business vulnerable to smishing attacks, get in touch with SDTEK to discuss your mobile security protection solutions.

June 17, 2025
Meeting IT security compliance standards is crucial for businesses that handle sensitive data, particularly in industries such as healthcare, finance, defense, and e-commerce. Regulatory frameworks such as HIPAA, CMMC, PCI-DSS, and GDPR exist to help ensure businesses protect customer information and maintain robust cybersecurity practices. Unfortunately, many organizations fall short of these requirements, often due to common, avoidable mistakes. These gaps can result in costly fines, data breaches, and reputational damage, which can significantly impact the business's bottom line and customer trust. 1. Failing to Conduct Regular Risk Assessments The Pitfall: Many businesses overlook the importance of conducting routine risk assessments. Without these, it’s challenging to identify vulnerabilities or evaluate whether your current cybersecurity controls meet compliance standards. How to Avoid It: Implement a regular risk assessment schedule. Work with a qualified IT provider to evaluate your systems, identify weaknesses, and document remediation plans. These assessments should be performed at least annually, or whenever significant changes to the system occur. 2. Inadequate Employee Training The Pitfall: Your employees are your first line of defense—and often your most significant vulnerability. A common compliance issue arises when businesses fail to train staff on cybersecurity best practices or on handling sensitive data appropriately. How to Avoid It: Invest in ongoing cybersecurity awareness training. Ensure employees understand how to recognize phishing emails, create strong passwords, and report any suspicious activity. Training should be updated regularly to reflect current threats and compliance requirements. 3. Improper Data Handling and Storage The Pitfall: Storing sensitive data in unsecured locations, failing to encrypt information, or retaining data longer than necessary are significant compliance risks. These practices are often flagged during audits. How to Avoid It: Adopt data classification policies that define how different types of data should be handled; encrypt sensitive data both at rest and in transit. Establish clear data retention policies and ensure that obsolete data is disposed of securely. 4. Lack of Incident Response Planning The Pitfall: When a security incident occurs, time is of the essence. Many businesses lack a documented incident response plan, or their existing plan hasn’t been thoroughly tested. This can lead to delayed responses, increased damage, and regulatory penalties. How to Avoid It: Develop a formal incident response plan that includes roles, responsibilities, communication protocols, and steps for containment and recovery. Run simulated breach scenarios with your IT team to ensure everyone knows how to respond effectively. 5. Using Outdated Software or Systems The Pitfall: Running outdated operating systems, software, or firmware is a common issue that can lead to compliance failures. Unsupported technologies are more vulnerable to exploitation. How to Avoid It: Keep all systems and applications up to date with the latest patches. Use automated tools to track software versions and receive alerts about end-of-life technologies. Schedule regular maintenance windows to apply updates and upgrades. 6. Insufficient Access Controls The Pitfall: Allowing too many employees access to sensitive data—or failing to revoke access when it’s no longer needed—can lead to data breaches and non-compliance. How to Avoid It: Implement role-based access controls and follow the principle of least privilege. This principle means that each user should have the minimum level of access necessary to perform their job. Regularly audit user accounts and permissions to ensure access is current and appropriate. Use multi-factor authentication (MFA) to add an additional layer of protection. 7. Neglecting Third-Party Vendor Risks The Pitfall: Businesses often overlook the fact that their compliance responsibilities extend to third-party vendors. If a vendor mishandles your data, you could still be held accountable. How to Avoid It: Vet third-party vendors carefully. Ensure they meet the same compliance standards as your business and include security requirements in your contracts. Conduct periodic audits or request compliance certifications from your vendors. 8. Failing to Document Policies and Procedures The Pitfall: Even if your security practices are strong, failing to document your compliance policies can result in audit failures. Regulators want to see evidence that you have formal processes in place. How to Avoid It: Create and maintain clear documentation for all compliance-related policies, including data protection, access control, incident response, and employee training. Make these documents easily accessible for audits and regularly review them to ensure updates are current. Conclusion Compliance with IT security standards is not a one-time project—it requires ongoing attention, regular updates, and a proactive approach to maintain effectiveness. By understanding and addressing these common pitfalls, your business can stay ahead of regulatory requirements, strengthen its security posture, and reduce the risk of costly incidents. This ongoing attention is crucial to maintaining your business's security and audit readiness. If you’re unsure whether your business is meeting current IT compliance standards, professional support can help. Contact SDTEK today to schedule a compliance assessment and learn how our IT services can keep your business secure and audit-ready. With our support, you can navigate the complex landscape of IT security compliance with confidence.
April 9, 2025
In today’s digital-first world, cybersecurity isn’t just a luxury—it’s a necessity. Whether you run a small startup or a growing enterprise in Fort Wayne , protecting your business’s data, systems, and clients is essential for long-term success. From ransomware attacks to phishing scams, cyber threats are evolving every day, and the best way to stay ahead of them is by partnering with a reliable IT services provider that understands the unique needs of local businesses. Here’s why investing in professional business IT support is one of the smartest decisions Fort Wayne businesses can make—and how working with SDTEK helps protect your operations, your data, and your reputation.