In the ever-changing landscape of cybersecurity, it’s easy to focus on the latest, most sophisticated threats—AI-driven phishing, ransomware, social engineering, and deepfake scams. However, as we chase the cutting edge, we risk overlooking the ‘old-school’ tactics used by many criminal gangs that continue to evolve and wreak havoc among businesses and individuals. A recent case in London, where a scammer used an “SMS blaster” to send thousands of fraudulent texts, serves as a stark reminder: cyber scams don’t disappear; they adapt.
If you’ve never heard of an SMS blaster, allow us to enlighten you. The SMS blaster, a portable device that mimics a mini phone mast, allows fraudsters to send scam texts en masse without needing victims’ phone numbers – a clever adaptation of the Bluetooth scams that were once prevalent in the early 2000. These messages often impersonate well-known entities like HM Revenue and Customs, recognised courier companies, and banks, luring recipients into sharing sensitive information. This technology bypasses many traditional anti-spam measures used on smart phones, making it a potent tool for “smishing” (SMS phishing).
While the technology is fairly new, the tactic is not. Scammers have always exploited trust and urgency to deceive. What’s changed is their ability to scale these attacks and evade detection. This case highlights a critical point: even as we develop defences against advanced threats, we must remain vigilant against the basics.
It’s tempting to think that focusing on complex threats like ransomware or AI-driven scams is enough to keep your business safe. However, neglecting simpler tactics can leave you vulnerable. Here’s why:
To protect yourself and your business, it’s essential to adopt a mindset of constant vigilance. Here are some practical steps:
Be sceptical of all electronic communications: whether it’s a text, email, or phone call, treat every unsolicited message with caution. If something feels off, it probably is.
Awareness is your first line of defence. Regularly educate employees and family members about the latest scams and how to spot them. As a business user, investing in regular Cyber Essentials training will help keep you and your team up to date on the latest threats and the adaptations required to keep your company and customers safe.
Use smart phone tools like spam filters, two-factor authentication, and device settings to block potential threats. For example, Android users can disable 2g to avoid SMS blaster attacks, and iPhone users can filter messages from unknown contacts.
In the UK, you can forward suspected scam texts and mobile numbers to Ofcom using 7726 for investigation. The four digits were chosen because they spell SPAM on an alphanumeric phone keypad. Reporting helps Ofcom track and combat these threats, making the digital environment safer for all users.
Cyber scams are like viruses—they mutate to survive. However, while a lot of articles and online resources focus on the most sophisticated threats, it’s important to remember that many, if not most cyberattacks, make use of basic technologies and psychological tactics. These are dangerous, yes, but also quite simple to recognise and avoid if you know what you are looking for. Spammers rely on complacency and fear to succeed, so don’t let your guard down. By staying vigilant and adopting a proactive approach to cyber security risks, you can protect yourself and your business from both old and new threats.
Remember, cybersecurity isn’t just about technology; it’s also about mindset. For more information about how to recognise and avoid common cyber security threats, please contact the team at Vantage IT today by clicking here.
Image Source: Canva
02/02/2026
