What is text bombing?

Text bombing is a type of cyber harassment where someone sends a large number of unsolicited text messages to a target's phone in a short period. Text bombing is illegal in many places, as it can be considered harassment or a cyberattack.

Understanding text bombing

Text bombing, also known as SMS bombing, is a malicious tactic where an individual or automated system sends an overwhelming number of text messages to a target phone in a very short time. The intention can vary from harassment to disrupting service or compromising a victim's personal or professional communication.

While some may see it as a prank, the effects of text bombing can be far-reaching, causing disruptions in the victim's day-to-day activities. Additionally, such attacks can pose serious risks, including interfering with important communications or enabling other cyberattacks.

See also: What is email bombing?

Types of text bombing

Text bombing involves using software or online tools designed to send multiple messages in rapid succession to the victim’s phone. These messages can come from different numbers or the same one. Here’s how the process works:

• Manual bombing: Some attackers manually send messages in rapid succession, but this method is time-consuming and inefficient. It is often employed for smaller-scale harassment or when the attacker wants control over the messages sent.
• Automated bombing tools: Attackers commonly use software or web services that automate the process. These tools are designed to send hundreds or thousands of messages in minutes. The messages can range from random characters to offensive content or phishing attempts.
• Exploiting bulk text services: Some attackers misuse bulk texting services, which are often legitimate services used for marketing or mass communication, to send messages to the target phone. These services are exploited because they allow messages to be sent in bulk for relatively low costs.
• Simultaneous attacks: In more advanced cases, text bombers might use multiple platforms or phone numbers to send messages simultaneously, making it difficult for the victim to block or filter the texts.

Effects of text bombing

Though SMS bombing is primarily seen as a form of harassment, its effects can be both frustrating and damaging. Here’s a breakdown of some of the consequences:

• Device overload: The most immediate impact of text bombing is the constant stream of messages that can overwhelm a device. Phones may slow down, apps may freeze, or the phone could crash entirely, disrupting usability. 
• Battery drain: With each incoming message triggering a notification, the constant barrage can quickly drain a phone's battery. 
• Interference with legitimate communication: Text bombing can prevent victims from receiving important text messages, such as two-factor authentication codes, work-related messages, or emergency alerts. In some cases, attackers use text bombing as a distraction while they carry out more serious cyberattacks.
• Data overages: For those who don’t have unlimited texting plans, the influx of messages can lead to overage charges, causing financial harm. This tactic can cause economic disruption and be frustrating.
• Psychological stress: SMS bombing can cause anxiety, frustration, and stress for victims, especially when they are unable to stop the attack or when the messages contain threatening or offensive content.

In the news: Telegram agrees to turn over information to authorities

Legal implications of text bombing

Though text bombing is sometimes viewed as a harmless prank, it is illegal in many jurisdictions and can result in serious legal consequences. Laws related to cyber harassment, privacy, and electronic communications cover text bombing, and depending on the severity and intent behind the attack, perpetrators could face fines or even jail time. Some of the legal frameworks that SMS bombing may violate include:

• Cyber Harassment Laws: Many countries have specific laws that criminalize harassment via digital or electronic means. Text bombing often falls under this category, especially if it causes emotional distress or disrupts the victim's life.
• Communications Act Violations: In some countries, such as the United States, the Communications Act of 1934 prohibits using electronic communication systems for harassment or malicious purposes. The Act specifically states that it is unlawful for anyone to "make or cause the telephone of another to repeatedly or continuously ring, with intent to harass any person at the called number." The provision underscores that text bombing, if proven to be intentional harassment, can lead to federal charges​
• Data protection and privacy violations: Misuse of personal phone numbers for text bombing can also violate data protection laws, such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). If attackers obtained the victim’s phone number through illegitimate means, they could face additional charges related to privacy violations.
• Civil suits: Victims of SMS bombing can sometimes sue the perpetrators for damages, particularly if the attack caused financial loss or severe emotional distress.

See also: What are the penalties for HIPAA violations?

Defending against text bombing

While SMS bombing can be a distressing experience, there are several steps you can take to protect yourself and mitigate the damage if you become a target.

• Block the sender: If you are being bombarded by messages from a single number, your first step should be to block that number. Most smartphones have built-in features that allow you to block texts and calls from specific numbers. However, this may not be effective if the attacker uses multiple numbers.
• Use spam filters: Some messaging apps and mobile carriers offer spam filtering services that detect and block mass-texting attempts. These filters work by identifying suspicious patterns in incoming messages, such as similar content or high-frequency texts, and automatically blocking them.
• Report to your carrier: If you are a victim of text bombing, report the attack to your mobile carrier. Many carriers have the ability to block mass-texting campaigns and can offer additional protection by blocking messages from suspicious numbers at the network level.
• Use “Do Not Disturb” mode: If you’re experiencing a barrage of texts, enabling "Do Not Disturb" mode can help by silencing notifications and preventing the phone from constantly buzzing or ringing. However, this is a temporary solution that won’t stop the messages from being delivered.
• Legal recourse: If the harassment is severe, document the messages and consider reporting the attack to law enforcement. 
• Consider changing your number: In extreme cases, changing your phone number may be the best course of action, especially if the harassment is persistent and other methods of protection aren’t effective. While this is inconvenient, it may offer a fresh start and prevent further attacks.

See also: The guide to HIPAA compliant text messaging

FAQs

Can text bombing affect devices other than phones? 

While text bombing primarily targets mobile phones, it can also affect any device capable of receiving text messages, including tablets and smartwatches. The impact remains similar, causing overload and disruption of normal use.

What motives do attackers have for text bombing? 

Attackers may have various motives, including personal vendettas, pranks, or attempts to disrupt a person's life or work. In some cases, it may also be a method of cyberbullying or harassment.

What are the potential legal consequences of text bombing? 

Legal consequences can vary by jurisdiction but may include fines, restraining orders, and even imprisonment for harassment or stalking, especially if it violates state or federal laws against electronic harassment.