How can you secure your SMS messages from social engineering threats?

1 Use a strong PIN or password

One of the easiest ways to protect your SMS messages is to use a strong PIN or password to lock your phone. This way, you can prevent unauthorized access to your messages if you lose your phone or leave it unattended. A strong PIN or password should be at least six digits or characters long, and include a mix of numbers, letters, and symbols. You should also avoid using obvious or common PINs or passwords, such as your birth date, phone number, or name.

2 Encrypt your SMS messages

Another way to secure your SMS messages is to encrypt them. Encryption is the process of transforming your messages into a code that only you and the intended recipient can read. This way, you can prevent hackers, spies, or other third parties from intercepting and reading your messages. There are many apps that offer SMS encryption, such as Signal, WhatsApp, or Telegram. These apps use end-to-end encryption, which means that only the sender and the receiver have the keys to decrypt the messages. You should also make sure that the app you use has a good reputation and does not collect or share your data.

3 Verify the sender and the content

A common social engineering technique is to send fake or spoofed SMS messages that appear to come from a trusted source, such as your bank, your employer, or your friend. These messages may ask you to click on a link, call a number, or reply with personal or financial information. To avoid falling for these scams, you should always verify the sender and the content of the SMS messages you receive. You can do this by checking the sender's phone number, looking for spelling or grammar errors, and contacting the sender through another channel if you have any doubts. You should also never click on any links or attachments that you are not expecting or that look suspicious.

4 Be aware of your surroundings

Another way to secure your SMS messages is to be aware of your surroundings when you are sending or receiving them. You should avoid sending or reading sensitive or confidential messages in public places, where someone could see your screen or overhear your conversation. You should also avoid using public or unsecured Wi-Fi networks, which could expose your messages to hackers or eavesdroppers. You should also turn off Bluetooth and NFC when you are not using them, as they could allow other devices to access your phone without your permission.

5 Delete or backup your SMS messages

Finally, you should delete or backup your SMS messages regularly. Deleting your messages can help you free up space on your phone and reduce the risk of exposing your data if you lose your phone or it gets stolen. Backing up your messages can help you restore them if you accidentally delete them or if your phone gets damaged. You can backup your messages using cloud services, such as Google Drive or iCloud, or using external devices, such as USB drives or SD cards. You should also encrypt your backups to prevent unauthorized access.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?