Devil-Traff: A New Bulk SMS Platform Driving Phishing Campaigns
Summary:
Researchers at SlashNext have uncovered a new SMS phishing tool, dubbed Devil-Traff, which features advanced capabilities like sender ID spoofing and automated messaging, allowing cybercriminals to send thousands of fraudulent messages in a short time. Key features of Devil-Traff that have made it popular among attackers include:
Security Officer Comments:
SMS platforms like Devil-Traff are gaining traction on cybercrime forums due to their advanced capabilities and affordability. With features such as API integration, these platforms allow cybercriminals to automate phishing campaigns and send thousands of SMS messages with minimal manual intervention. The low cost, starting as low as $0.02 per message, makes it accessible to even low-level attackers, enabling them to launch large-scale phishing operations quickly and efficiently. As a result, these tools are being used to target victims across various industries worldwide, contributing to a rise in cybercrime activities and posing significant risks to individuals and organizations alike.
Suggested Corrections:
Users should always be cautious of individuals or organizations that ask for personal information. Most companies will not ask for sensitive data from their customers. If in doubt, users should verify with the company itself to avoid any potential issues.
Users should always take a close look at the sender’s display name when checking the legitimacy of an email. Most companies use a single domain for their URLs and emails, so a message that originates from a different domain is a red flag.
As a general rule, users should not click links or download files even if they come from seemingly “trustworthy” sources.
Check for mismatched URLs. While an embedded URL might seem perfectly valid, hovering above it might show a different web address. In fact, users should avoid clicking links in emails unless they are certain that it is a legitimate link.
Users should always be on the lookout for any grammatical errors and spelling mistakes. Legitimate companies will often employ proofreaders and editors who ensure that the materials they send out are error-free.
Users should not be frightened or intimidated by messages that have an alarmist tone. They should double check with the company if they are uncertain about the status of their accounts.
Phishing emails are designed to be sent to a large number of people, so they need to be as impersonal as possible. Users should check whether the message contains a generic subject and greeting, as this can be a sign of a phishing attempt.
Although not every end user has access to advanced anti-phishing software, they can still use the built-in protection of their email clients to filter messages. One example is setting the email client to block all images unless approved.
Legitimate companies will never send confirmation emails unless there are specific reasons for doing so. In fact, most companies will avoid sending unsolicited messages unless it’s for company updates, newsletters, or advertising purposes.
Users should always take the context of an email or message into account. For example, most online accounts do away with viewable member numbers, so users should be wary if they receive emails containing a “member number” for services that generally don’t use them.
It is important to take note of unusual information in the text of the message. Any mentions of operating systems and software that are not typically used by consumers can often be indicators of a phishing attempt.
If it seems suspicious, it probably is. Users should always err on the side of caution when it comes to sending out personally identifiable information through messages and emails.
Link(s):
https://slashnext.com/blog/devil-traff-a-new-bulk-sms-platform-driving-phishing-campaigns/
Researchers at SlashNext have uncovered a new SMS phishing tool, dubbed Devil-Traff, which features advanced capabilities like sender ID spoofing and automated messaging, allowing cybercriminals to send thousands of fraudulent messages in a short time. Key features of Devil-Traff that have made it popular among attackers include:
- Sender ID Customization: Spoof trusted organizations, making phishing messages appear legitimate.
- API Integration: Automate campaigns and send thousands of SMS messages with minimal effort.
- Macros for Optimization: Increase delivery rates and bypass telecom spam filters.
- Affordable Pricing: Rates start as low as $0.02 per SMS, with a $10 minimum deposit.
Security Officer Comments:
SMS platforms like Devil-Traff are gaining traction on cybercrime forums due to their advanced capabilities and affordability. With features such as API integration, these platforms allow cybercriminals to automate phishing campaigns and send thousands of SMS messages with minimal manual intervention. The low cost, starting as low as $0.02 per message, makes it accessible to even low-level attackers, enabling them to launch large-scale phishing operations quickly and efficiently. As a result, these tools are being used to target victims across various industries worldwide, contributing to a rise in cybercrime activities and posing significant risks to individuals and organizations alike.
Suggested Corrections:
Users should always be cautious of individuals or organizations that ask for personal information. Most companies will not ask for sensitive data from their customers. If in doubt, users should verify with the company itself to avoid any potential issues.
Users should always take a close look at the sender’s display name when checking the legitimacy of an email. Most companies use a single domain for their URLs and emails, so a message that originates from a different domain is a red flag.
As a general rule, users should not click links or download files even if they come from seemingly “trustworthy” sources.
Check for mismatched URLs. While an embedded URL might seem perfectly valid, hovering above it might show a different web address. In fact, users should avoid clicking links in emails unless they are certain that it is a legitimate link.
Users should always be on the lookout for any grammatical errors and spelling mistakes. Legitimate companies will often employ proofreaders and editors who ensure that the materials they send out are error-free.
Users should not be frightened or intimidated by messages that have an alarmist tone. They should double check with the company if they are uncertain about the status of their accounts.
Phishing emails are designed to be sent to a large number of people, so they need to be as impersonal as possible. Users should check whether the message contains a generic subject and greeting, as this can be a sign of a phishing attempt.
Although not every end user has access to advanced anti-phishing software, they can still use the built-in protection of their email clients to filter messages. One example is setting the email client to block all images unless approved.
Legitimate companies will never send confirmation emails unless there are specific reasons for doing so. In fact, most companies will avoid sending unsolicited messages unless it’s for company updates, newsletters, or advertising purposes.
Users should always take the context of an email or message into account. For example, most online accounts do away with viewable member numbers, so users should be wary if they receive emails containing a “member number” for services that generally don’t use them.
It is important to take note of unusual information in the text of the message. Any mentions of operating systems and software that are not typically used by consumers can often be indicators of a phishing attempt.
If it seems suspicious, it probably is. Users should always err on the side of caution when it comes to sending out personally identifiable information through messages and emails.
Link(s):
https://slashnext.com/blog/devil-traff-a-new-bulk-sms-platform-driving-phishing-campaigns/