Telenet has already blocked 2.4 million suspicious text messages with its new platform

Telenet has already detected and blocked 2.4 million suspicious text messages since the telecom company recently deployed a new platform to protect its customers against ‘smishing’, a form of phishing via text messages. Telenet reported this on Wednesday morning. Proximus also already installed a similar system.

The new platform can detect suspicious messages and block them automatically. It recognizes certain patterns, such as numbers sending a lot of messages or suspicious links going around.

“The first results are promising and show that the platform works very efficiently,” says Telenet. “Since implementation, 2.4 million suspicious messages have been blocked, an average of 170,000 per day. The majority of these types of fraudulent text messages will no longer reach Telenet and BASE customers.”

READ ALSO. Telenet customers have access to the internet again after a breakdown of no less than four days: “But apparently we will not receive compensation”

The platform was developed with government support. Telenet committed itself to half of the investment for the development, implementation and operation of the operation. Moreover, it could count on public financing, with the support of Telecom Minister Petra De Sutter (Green) and as part of the national recovery plan.