The National Communications Office (Nkom) informs and warns against clicking on links if we are not sure that it is not a fraud.
Norway is experiencing massive attacks on mobile phones, private information and accounts. Along with mobile operators, Nkom is now urging people to be extra careful and be aware of SMS scams. Christmas is approaching and people are buying goods online that are shipped as parcels. Fraudsters are trying to take advantage of this, says the director of Pål Wien Espen at Nkom.
Warning from the National Communications Office
- Telenor, Telia and Ice constantly try to stop millions of fake text messages, but scammers are constantly taking new paths. The safest option is when people themselves take care not to click on fake links in text messages. Also, do not download unknown applications, says director Pål Wien Espen of the National Communications Authority (Nkom).
- We have recently been exposed to the so-called Flubotist attack where scammers ask us to click links and download applications to download packages and listen to voicemails. Since the last attack, which began Wednesday November 24, Telenor, Telia and Ice have collectively blocked more than 10 million text messages with flubots, Espen says.
Flubot is malware that is distributed via SMS between mobile phones.
Fraudsters constantly find new methods
Experience shows that criminals always use the methods that work best and are most effective. For years, infected email has been the preferred method. The fact that SMS is so widely used shows that criminals have adapted and are adopting new methods, says Espen.
- The problem does not only concern Norway, they are scammers who attack globally and operate internationally. That's why at Nkom we do the same and work with many international organizations that can implement measures across national borders, says director Espen.
What happens if you click on fake links?
Depending on your phone, malware can attack in two ways:
Android phone:
if you click on the link in the SMS, you will be redirected to a malware download page that specifically targets Android phones. After successful installation, it can, among other things, transfer sensitive personal data to servers. It can still send new SMSs to everyone on your phone's contact list.
Iphone (IOS phones):
An SMS is also sent here with a link. If you click on a link, you will usually be redirected to a website where you will be prompted to enter confidential information.
What can mobile operators do?
- Blocking SMS that they know are SMSes
- Malicious server traffic blocking
What should you do if the accident happened?
Contact your mobile operator for detailed help and information.
In most cases, you will need to factory reset your phone.
Always look carefully at the text information you receive. It's easy to make a mistake, especially now when we are busy and really waiting for some ordered packages.
Source: National Communications Office
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