What do you know about SMS & Mobile Phone Phishing?

Because there has been a rise of mobile phone messaging services such as WhatsApp and Facebook messenger, cybercriminals now have a new way to attack users!

SMS phishing or SMiShing works in the same way as email phishing – the victim is sent a fake offer or warning that appears to be from a legitimate company or organization. The message usually contains a malicious link that the victim is persuaded into clicking.

A SMiShing message is often short and to the point with the aim of shocking or scaring a user into clicking the link without thinking twice. A common method is when cybercriminals pretend to be from a bank, warning the victim that their account has been closed, disabled or compromised.

Because the fraudulent message is received via SMS or private message, it can be difficult to realise the message is fake. Why? Because these messages do not contain warning signs of a scam such as the senders email address. Without knowing the SMS is fraudulent, the victim will click on the link willingly and hand over their private information and/or passwords to the cyber attackers.

Here are some helpful tips on preventing SMiShing:

1. Do not click on unknown SMSs or private messages hat contain links!
2. Never reply or give out your personal information if you receive an SMS asking you to
3. If the SMS asks for a quick/urgent reply this is a sign of SMiShing
4. An SMS states “Congratulations, you have won”, etc. this is another sign of SMiShing
5. Should you receive an SMS from your bank, always call your banks customer service line first to double check that it is legitimate

Trust your instincts – if the SMS doesn’t seem right, do not click on it!

TCG Forensics offers a range of cellular and digital forensics services. Should you need the assistance of an expert forensic investigator please do not hesitate to give us a call on 021 110 0422 or email contact@tcgforensics.co.za

Smartphone Safety for Children

It’s 2018, we’re more connected than we were a few years ago and we’re continuing to grow as time goes by.

These days, teenagers and even small children are getting caught up in all the new technology that is being introduced. The ability to communicate with friends with the push of a button is a sought after thing, and having a smartphone is a privilege that all teenagers assume they should have. However smartphones can bring a few dangers with them.

It’s about time you sit down with your children and have a chat with them about smartphone safety…

You will never be able to remove them completely from the world of technology, so make sure to sit down and have an educational conversation instead of arguing with them.

Who are they talking to? Are they chatting to their friends or someone they met online? Let them know that people are usually not who they seem to be online and they should apply “stranger danger” online as well as in the street.

What kind of content are they looking at? Are the apps, games, videos, etc. they’re looking at appropriate for their age? Remember to be aware of any cyberbullying is taking place.

Are they texting and driving? Texting and driving is beyond dangerous, especially for young teens who have just started driving and have little experience. There are apps you have use to control this, but there should be strict rules in place too.

Do you have any questions about smartphone safety or cellular forensics? At TCG Digital Forensics, we offer a range of services, from cyber forensics and mobile phone analysis to image enhancements and suspect profiling. Contact us on 087 001 0523 or contact@tcgforensics.co.za

What is Mobile Phone Analysis?

As mobile devices become more and more dominant in our lives, the opportunity to store and circulate information is more possible than ever.

Mobile devices have many different features, like the ability to take photos and videos. When a multimedia file is taken, many devices automatically embed GPS location of the handset at that time. This then allows the location of the user at that exact moment to be established at a later date.

Multiple communication features, such as Bluetooth, WiFi 3G and 4G enable the transfer of information that can even cross international boundaries. Users can browse the internet, send and receive emails, post blogs and even removable media cards can be inserted into the device allowing information to be exchanged.

Depending on the client, the following information can be recovered from a mobile phone:

• SMS
• Email
• Call history
• Photos
• Videos
• WhatsApp history
• Passwords

Mobile devices are similar to computers, but with far more powerful capabilities. The value of the evidence found on a smartphone or any other mobile device must never be overlooked! The TCG Forensic Division has the cellular and digital expertise to extract and uncover the evidence you need. 

Mobile Phone Analysis

Mobile devices are becoming increasingly powerful and popular, with people even sometimes carrying more than one. However, their increasing capability provides more opportunity to store and circulate information.

Mobile devices have many different features, like the ability to take photos and videos. When a multimedia file is taken, many devices automatically embed GPS location of the handset at that time. This then allows the location of the user at that exact moment to be established at a later date.

Multiple communication features, such as Bluetooth, WiFi 3G and 4G enable the transfer of information that can even cross international boundaries. Users can browse the internet, send and receive emails, post blogs and even removable media cards can be inserted into the device allowing information to be exchanged.

Depending on the client, the following information can be recovered from a mobile phone:

- SMS
- Email
- Call history
- Photos
- Videos
- WhatsApp history
- Passwords

Mobile devices are similar to computers, but with far more powerful capabilities. The value of the evidence found on a smartphone or any other mobile device must never be overlooked! DLA has the cellular and digital expertise to extract and uncover the evidence you need.