What your child will learn
Identify the 5 types of smishing attacks: fake bank alerts, package delivery scams, prizewinner fraud, government impersonation, and escalating voice-call cons
Spot phishing links in SMS texts by analyzing the URL, sender number, and urgency patterns
Apply the correct response: do not click, do not reply, block and report, and warn others
How this mission works
A 5-scene interactive lab on SMS phishing (smishing) detection. Scene 1: 5 incoming texts — fake bank alert with a phishing link, package delivery smish with a spoofed tracking URL, prize-winner scam, fake school emergency, and a multi-step smish that escalates to a voice call. Flag every red flag before clicking. Scene 2: Analyze the link structure — real or spoofed? Scene 3: Walk through the escalation chain — when a smish leads to a voice call, how do you respond? Scene 4: Practice blocking, reporting, and warning friends about smishing. Scene 5: 60-second boss round — clear 8 smishing texts in under a minute.
What students actually encounter
Text: "USPS: Your package is held. Confirm address: usps-redelivery.com/track?id=8472" — click or flag?
Text: "IRS: Your tax return is under review. Call 1-800-XXX-XXXX immediately or face arrest." — real or smish?
A text from "mom" saying she needs you to wire money urgently. Something feels off. What do you do?
Cipher is with them the whole way
When a student gets stuck on Smishing Sentinel, Cipher appears with a mission-specific nudge — no spoilers, just a hint toward the right thinking. Make a wrong choice, and Cipher explains the real-world consequence. Finish the mission, and Cipher generates a personalized performance debrief based on exactly how the student played it.
ISTE alignment
Students demonstrate an understanding of rights and obligations in digital environments and manage personal data to avoid exploitation through mobile phishing attacks.