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McAfee Warns of SMiShing Attacks

Message circulating via cell phones contains a link to a site that downloads a Trojan horse.

John Blau, IDG News Service

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Cell phone users should watch out for text messages containing a Web site link which, when visited, could download a Trojan horse, security experts have warned.

In a blog posting last week, McAfee dubbed the new development "SMiShing," referring to a phishing attack sent via SMS (Short Message Service).

Getting the Message

Some cell phone users have started receiving an SMS that reads: "We're confirming you've signed up for our dating service. You will be charged $2/day unless you cancel your order," David Rayhawk wrote in the McAfee Avert Labs blog.

The message includes a URL which, if clicked on, downloads a Trojan horse that could allow a Web-enabled phone to be controlled by hackers.

SMiShing is another example of how hackers are injecting cell phones and other mobile devices with malware and viruses which could penetrate enterprise networks, according to Rayhawk.

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