Typically, the URL shows you where a link will take you. For example, a URL like https://blog[dot]knowbe4[dot]com/why-should-we-care-about-personal-smishing-attacks will take you to a KnowBe4 blog post about personal smishing attacks.
Because text messages have character limits, including a full URL is not practical. Instead, URL shortening programs are used to create a redirect link. For example, this shortened URL https://bit[dot]ly/3gUpTk1 will redirect you to the blog post mentioned above—or will it? There is no way for you to know where that shortened URL will send you. Cybercriminals often use this technique to redirect you to a malicious website or to a download page for malware. Don’t be fooled!
Follow these tips to spot a potential Smishing attack:
Stop, Look, and Think. Don’t be fooled.
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DISCLAIMER : Any non-technical views expressed are not necessarily those of Keller Schroeder or its employee-owners.