Definition
War texting is a cyberattack that exploits flaws in mobile networks to get unauthorized access to a target’s mobile device. In this case, attackers send specially crafted SMS messages to the victim’s phone, deceiving the device into revealing sensitive data or carrying out commands.
How War Texting Operates
- Cybercriminals transmit SMS messages with instructions or harmful code to the victim’s phone.
- The messages may seem harmless or claim to be from legitimate organizations, but they contain code or instructions that can damage the device or execute malicious actions.
- SMS messages are meticulously constructed to exploit weaknesses in the phone’s messaging apps, operating systems, or mobile network.
- The malicious SMS triggers flaws, enabling the perpetrator to perform certain commands on the victim’s gadget.
- The cybercriminal can employ the exploited access to fully control the device, steal sensitive data, or launch more attacks.
How to Prevent War Texting Attacks
- Be wary of text messages: Avoid tapping on links or replying if you receive a message from an unknown phone number. Furthermore, never share personal information in messages.
- Turn on multi-factor authentication: It requires completing certain actions for extra verification, such as receiving a one-time password on your device. It offers an additional layer of security against unapproved access.
- Be cautious of where you share your phone number online: War texting perpetrators obtain your phone number from publicly accessible databases and sources. Restricting where you share your number online lowers the likelihood of a war texting assault.