We’ve all received that strange text message alerting us to some vague information about an account we have that directs us to click on a hotlink. These links usually lead to trouble and are most often an attempt to steal your information, such as credit cards, user IDs, and passwords. These messages can even be an attempt to hack your phone by installing harmful malware that uncovers your personal information without you even knowing about it.

Cybersecurity researchers have revealed a critical and undetected vulnerability in SIM cards that could allow hackers to access a smartphone just by sending an SMS, “short message service,” which is used to send text messages between cellphones. Your cell device could be hacked as soon as you click on the malicious link given in the SMS.

You do not want to engage or text “STOP” with these unclear text messages unless you know the sender is legitimate. Cyber criminals can use your response as an indication you received your message and are now actively engaged in your messages, which can motivate them to send you more messages. Your information can also be sold to other cyber criminals who are looking for “verified active” phone numbers. If you are unsure of the text message, contact the company via a known phone number or website before clicking on the link. If it is a scam text simply delete it, turn your phone off and then turn it on again.

Cell phone hacking statistics are frightening

According to RSA Security, around 60% of the world’s cyberattacks are initiated on mobile devices. Approximately 80% of attacks against mobile devices take place via apps. According to Symantec, third-party app stores hosted 99.9% of detected mobile malware, and are therefore the main cause of recent security breaches involving mobile devices.

What To Do About Spam Text Messages

There are several things you can do to block unwanted text messages or stop them before they reach you. If you have an iPhone, Apple has detailed instructions on how block phone numbers, contacts, and emails on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch that can be found on Apple’s website support. For Android devices, you can visit Google’s website support page.