Text messages, sent via carrier SMS, have been a mainstay of mobile communication. However, they have increasingly been replaced by over-the-top (i.e., internet-based) services like Apple iMessage, WhatsApp, and Telegram. These alternatives not only offer more features but also provide end-to-end encryption, a security measure not supported by SMS or its successor, RCS. Why encrypted […]

Phishing scams aren’t limited to email. It’s a good habit not to respond to any text messages from senders you don’t recognize. If you receive a suspicious text that claims to be from a person you know or a popular company, double-check by making a new text message thread with the person or contacting the […]

Most of us can leave WhatsApp chats hanging around like a gallery no one ever visits. By periodically getting rid of the conversations, you don’t need to see or reference anymore, you’ll prevent any sensitive details from falling into the hands of a thief. They don’t even need to physically steal your phone either – […]

If you use multi-factor authentication, and you should, it’s best to rely on codes sent to other devices or applications such as Duo or Google Authenticator instead of SMS texts. That’s because SIM hacking is on the rise. This practice entails a cyberattacker tricking a customer service representative into reassigning a phone number to a […]

It’s easy for text messages, like emails, to pile up. Long after you’ve read them, texts can still lay dormant on your phone. If you have old text threads, it’s a good idea to delete them as soon as possible. They may contain private information that could compromise your safety if they fell into the […]

If you’re expecting a delivery via mail or private carrier (e.g., FedEx, UPS, etc.), you probably track the package online or via text message to see if it’s delivered on time. Watch out for unexpected emails or SMS updates, especially if they ask you to make additional arrangements by supplying personally identifiable information – they’re […]