Yet another chink in the security of mobile device text messaging has been discovered. This time it is a weakness in the SMS feature of Apple’s iOS. A person sending a text message could be spoofed by an attacker, tricking the victim into thinking that they are talking to someone who is legitimate – like a bank teller for instance – when in reality they are conversing with the crook.
Don’t Be Deceived By Text Message Con Artists
The point of vulnerability isn’t in the phone, but in the network handling the data.
Fortunately, this problem will continue to be a rare occurrence in the wild until someone figures out how to make it automated. But, unless Apple starts working on a way to verify the sender of a message on the receiving end, millions of iOS users will remain vulnerable to these text message con artists.
What can you do to protect your customers right now?
Keep them informed! The best defense is customer education. You can’t stress the vulnerability of mobile devices enough. Make sure iOS users are aware of these types of scams and remind them of your company policies.
Original article “Don’t Trust That Text Message” by Kelly Jackson Higgins.
Read the full article here: http://www.darkreading.com/mobile-security/167901113/security/vulnerabilities/240005872/don-t-trust-that-text-message-tool-simplifies-ios-sms-spoofing.html