ALCiT

4 sure signs that text message did not come from your bank! | ALCIT

Written by Loïc Calvez | Nov 8, 2016 5:00:00 AM

Hi all, I have been getting a lot of those lately, so I figured I would do a little bit of education since there is a lot of attacks against mobile platforms at the moment (especially Android). So here we go: 4 Sure signs that text message did not come from your bank:

#1: You actually don’t do business with that bank!
#2: Your account is actually not setup to send text messages!
#3: The text does not contain the actual alert/message, it wants you to click on a link!
#4: The link it wants you to click on is hidden behind a URL shortening service (like bit.ly or tinyurl)!

Banks are getting really good at promoting safe browsing practices, if your account is setup to receive text messages, those text messages will usually contain the actual alert with no additional data that could be used to get access to your account (“Your debit card was used to spend $55.55”, “Your password was changed on your online profile”).

But, I am really worried about what the message says and I really want to click on it! Don’t!!!!!

If you think the alert is legit and want to confirm, do not click on it! You have 3 main options:

  1. Take your client card, look at the number on the back and call it.
  2. Find a PC with up to date anti-malware and go to your bank website directly (do not use any link sent by anyone).
  3. Use the mobile app from your bank and connect directly to your account.

As always, standard best practices always apply:

  • Make sure all your smartphone, PCs, applications and apps are up to dates
  • Setup your online profiles for 2 factor authentication (especially your banking ones)
  • That’s it, have a great day and happy browsing!

Loïc

About ALCiT:
We provide our clients with peace of mind. We make sure your IT Infrastructure is up to date, secure and working, and have assembled a portfolio of tools, services and products to deliver that efficiently. In today’s world, technology is essential for most businesses to achieve their goals, but the stakes are higher to do it correctly. With offerings such as Managed Patching and Anti-Malware with monthly reporting we make it possible for companies to get the security they need at a price they can afford.