SMS encryption: Are your text messages secure?

Data security is a top priority for businesses today, and many are wondering: is SMS encrypted? With the rise of cyber threats and the need to safeguard sensitive information, it is important for businesses to understand the level of security provided by their communication channels.

SMS is commonly used by businesses for its convenience and simplicity. However, as we started using it for multi-factor authentication for OTPs and other use cases, the security factor became an important topic.  

Read on to learn more about end-to-end encryption, why it’s important, and how businesses can ensure the security of their SMS communication.

End-to-end encryption is a security measure that protects messages and ensures data is encrypted throughout the entire communication process, allowing only the intended sender and recipient to access the texts.

In other words, it is a fancy way of saying that messages and data are kept secret or safe from anyone who shouldn’t see them. It makes sure that only the person you’re sending something to can read it, and not anyone else trying to snoop in.

There are two types of encryptions: A2P and P2P.

Most importantly, your information stays safe and private without others seeing and understanding it. But the question remains, is SMS encrypted? Let’s find out.

Short messages sent through SMS are not end-to-end encrypted. Why? Simply put, SMS works like e-mail, where messages are sent from a device, transit through a server, and get forwarded to a recipient’s device. The messages may remain stored on a server for some time, allowing others to access them later.  

In addition, mobile carriers provide basic security for text messages, such as GSM or CDMA encryption. This is why it is still possible for messages to be intercepted and read by the network or other third parties.

Although SMS isn’t end-to-end encrypted, it’s not going away any time soon. It is often used as a fallback option or a backup option for when a message fails to send over another channel. Businesses set up SMS fallback in cases when data traffic is unavailable. This ensures that you can get your messages delivered no matter where you’re located.

Nonetheless, businesses need to understand the risks of sending out unencrypted text messages. Let’s explore some of these risks and what businesses can do to protect themselves.

Sending unencrypted SMS messages poses significant risks for businesses, as unauthorized parties can intercept and read them. If confidential information falls into the wrong hands, this could lead to data theft, financial losses, reputational damage, and legal implications.

Without encryption, businesses are vulnerable to cyber-attacks and privacy breaches that could have serious consequences. Hence, understanding the risks of sending unencrypted text messages can help protect your business. It’s important to consider what information you share through SMS to keep sensitive data safe.

Here we list the top three risks businesses may face with unencrypted SMS:

Installing authenticator applications or security solutions is recommended to provide an extra layer of security.

SMS is still considered a preferred option for two-factor authentication (2FA) for businesses due to its convenience. It is commonly used to send security codes simply because all mobile phones on the planet can send and receive texts.

SMS two-factor authentication offers a simple and efficient way to authenticate user identity with additional information that is unique to them.

It includes a combination of their password with:

All you need is a mobile phone to receive a 2FA code by text without having to download an encrypted alternative like WhatsApp or Viber. Not to mention, these messaging apps only work over Wi-Fi or mobile data

Although SMS is not the most secure option for 2FA, it is still a safer choice than not using 2FA at all. Additionally, the risk of someone hacking into your 2FA and gaining access to your account remains relatively low.

Even though SMS may not be encrypted, using a secure SMS platform can help enhance security and ensure compliance with data protection laws. Secure SMS platforms have built-in safeguards to protect both business and customer data.

For instance, Infobip employs advanced data encryption measures to secure all data under its control. This includes encrypting all web traffic through Secure Socket Layer connections and employing a web application firewall for additional security. Application data stored is also encrypted, covering photos and attachments for enhanced protection.

Adding a security layer through Signals, enables you to safeguard your business with a comprehensive and automated security solution. The Infobip Signals solution automatically detects and blocks fraudulent messages to ensure a complete, cost-effective, and secure 2FA process.

Additionally, you can setup SMS as a failover channel for other messaging apps like:

Infobip offers a unified conversational platform that enables businesses to send secure and encrypted messages to their customers. This platform provides end-to-end encryption, message tracking, and other security features to protect sensitive communications.

As an omnichannel industry leader, we can offer the best SMS service for reliable delivery and secure messaging.  You will have access to: