Protecting Against Spam One Tool at a Time

Information flows abundantly online in today’s digital world. Some information is critical and should be available to anyone – how to administer CPR or how to buy your first home, for example. But some information, like those personal identifying details such as birthdate, credit card or Social Security number, shouldn’t be available to everyone. We’re working to offer tools to keep yourself and your personal information safe.

We’ve learned that a robust approach to cybersecurity should have 3 key features:

1. Elastic – with the ability to scale up or down depending on the needs of the day;
2. Designed with solutions in mind for every level of attack – from web-based threats like phishing to ransomware attacks potentially impacting entire networks; and
3. Constantly innovating and investing – to keep up with the fast-paced evolution of our networks and stay ahead of bad actors.

It’s with this in mind that we share new guidance to help safeguard against text and email spam.

What’s new: Text messages sent from email addresses are a major source of spam. We recommend businesses, government agencies and other organizations not use email platforms to send text messages. Instead of email platforms, text senders are encouraged to use 10-digit long codes or short codes for bulk text messaging. These programs are designed to get bulk messages to the customers who want them and are much less vulnerable to spammers and scammers.

To help combat the issue of spam text messages, we’re making it easier for our wireless customers to block these messages. Customers can simply toggle a switch in the free AT&T ActiveArmor^SM mobile security app. When this feature is turned “on,” all text messages originating from email will be blocked, regardless of sender. Customers are notified that this may block wanted messages from government agencies, first responders, doctors, schools, etc.

This isn’t the only type of spam that AT&T ActiveArmor^SM helps protect against:

• Our network automatically blocks known fraud calls and spam text messages, as well as labels suspected spam calls.¹
• The free AT&T ActiveArmor mobile security app allows users to customize their robocall protection, manage nuisance calls and create a Personal Block List. It helps them secure their devices and personal data and receive Data Breach Alerts within the app.
• ActiveArmor advanced mobile security includes Public Wi-Fi protection, Identity Monitoring, Reverse Number Lookup, Caller ID and Safe Browsing ² The ActiveArmor advanced mobile security subscription is $3.99 per month and included in our best wireless plans at no additional cost.

From the largest business to the smallest families, we’re working to help protect you and your data. To learn more about cybersecurity basics and see our cybersecurity tools and resources, visit AT&T Cyber Aware | Fraud Prevention & Cybersecurity Program (att.com).

Read more about AT&T Cybersecurity on Connects:

• A Robust Approach to Cybersecurity is Not a Nicety – It’s a Necessity – AT&T Connects (attconnects.com)
• Keeping Industries Protected as they Innovate – AT&T Connects (attconnects.com)
• Securing Those Who Secure Us – AT&T Connects (attconnects.com)
• Cybersecurity Policy That Works for Every American and Every Industry – AT&T Connects (attconnects.com)

_{¹ Requires compatible device & acceptance of Terms of Service; may inadvertently block wanted calls; settings can be adjusted in-app.}

_{² May not detect all threats.}

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