AhnLab Inc., Korea’s major security software developer, is set to provide a service to prevent “smishing.” (image credit: phenophin @ flickr)
SEOUL, Korea, Nov 14 (Korea Bizwire) – AhnLab Inc., Korea’s major security software developer, is set to provide a service to prevent “smishing,” the act of attempting to acquire personal information such as passwords and credit card details by masquerading as a trustworthy entity through text messages, by sending out “AhnLab Smishing Alarm” in its social networking service pages such as Twitter and Facebook.
For the time being, AhnLab’s SNS service will be limited to Twitter (www.twitter.com/AhnLab_man) and Facebook (www.facebook.com/ahnlabofficial), with no text message or KakaoTalk-like instant messengers. In addition, it won’t include any URL in the message. Anyone who wants to subscribe to AhnLab’s alarms can do so by following its Twitter or clicking “Like” on its Facebook page.
In addition to the smishing alarm service, the company has provided a “Safe Text Message” service since October last year on Google Play. The app is highly effective in blocking smishing messages as it contains the real-time URL execution detection feature.
AhnLab officials warn that any messages such as “Dear Mr./Ms. xxx, your application has been approved. Please click here to find out,” “Your phone bill has been unpaid for two months,” “Free 10,000 points for installing this app now!” must be seen as potential smishing messages and must not be opened with a URL included in the message.
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