Security News > 2023 > May > S3 Ep136: Navigating a manic malware maelstrom

If you are not aware that the Caller ID number that shows up on your phone is nothing more than a hint, that anybody can put in anything, and that anybody with your worst interests at heart who wants to stalk you can, for a modest monthly outlay, buy into a service that will help them do it automatically.

If you don't know that that's the case, you're probably going to have your guard way, way down when that call comes through and says, "I'm calling from the bank. You can see that from the number. Oh dear, there's been fraud on your account", and then the caller talks you into doing a whole load of things that you wouldn't listen to for a moment otherwise.

Tip number one is: Treat Caller ID as nothing more than a hint.

Always initiate official calls yourself, using a number you can trust.

If you get at one of these calls, say, "I'm going to call you right back", and use the number on the back of your credit card.

It's really easy to believe your phone, because 99% of the time, that Caller ID number will be telling the truth.

News URL

https://nakedsecurity.sophos.com/2023/05/25/s3-ep136-navigating-a-manic-malware-maelstrom/