IIJ Starts the Reject Function of Smishing Messages for Business and Individual Mobile Services on NTT DOCOMO Network | News

February 17, 2022
Internet Initiative Japan Inc.

TOKYO - February 17, 2022 - Internet Initiative Japan Inc. (TSE1: 3774), one of Japan's leading Internet access and comprehensive network solutions providers, today announced to introduce a new function, "The Dangerous SMS Rejection Setting," which automatically blocks scam text messages (SMS messages) including phishing phone numbers, malicious link, etc. starting in mid-March. This function applies to SMS-capable SIM card and voice-call capable SIM card provided through "IIJ Mobile Service/Type D," "IIJmio Mobile Service (GigaPlan) Type D" and "IIJmio Mobile Service Type D."

Phishing scams have become more widespread in recent years. These scams often involve attempts to steal personal information using SMS messages that are made to appear to be from businesses like delivery services, financial institutions, and mobile carriers, leading users to unsafe or illicit websites which may install malware like virus, spyware, ransomware. IIJ will be launching a new function that will automatically block dangerous SMS messages to counteract such attempts at phishing. Customers will be applied to this new function at no extra cost and do not need to sign up for it. The function can be turned off through settings if needed.

Overview of the Dangerous SMS Rejection Setting

The new function blocks SMS messages that appear to be phishing attempts aimed at navigating to illicit sites or installing dangerous applications.

Available starting

Mid-March 2022 (tentative)

Affected Services

For corporate cutomers

IIJ Mobile Service/Type D (SMS-capable SIM, voice call-capable SIM)

For individual customers

IIJmio Mobile Service (GigaPlan) Type D (SMS-capable SIM, voice call-capable SIM)
IIJmio Mobile Service Type D (SMS-capable SIM, voice call-capable SIM)

Service Fees

Free

Usage Guide

Changes will be applied automatically; customers do not need to request anything (does not apply to all customers).

(※)This function will not be applied automatically on customer lines that are configured to block all SMS messages or allow SMS messages from specific numbers. In such cases, customers will need to change the settings through "Web settings."
(※)Users who do not wish to use this function can change their preferences through "Web settings" after service provision begins.

IIJ will continue to strive to create environments that enable safer and more secure access to the internet.

About IIJ

Founded in 1992, IIJ is one of Japan's leading Internet-access and comprehensive network solutions providers. IIJ and its group companies provide total network solutions that mainly cater to high-end corporate customers. IIJ's services include high-quality Internet connectivity services, systems integration, cloud computing services, security services and mobile services. Moreover, IIJ has built one of the largest Internet backbone networks in Japan that is connected to the United States, the United Kingdom and Asia. IIJ was listed on the First Section of the Tokyo Stock Exchange in 2006.

For more information about IIJ, visit the IIJ Web site at https://www.iij.ad.jp/en/.

The statements within this release contain forward-looking statements about our future plans that involve risk and uncertainty. These statements may differ materially from actual future events or results.

For inquiries, contact

IIJ Corporate Communications

+81-3-5205-6310
+81-3-5205-6377
press@iij.ad.jp

(*) All company names and service names used in this press release are the trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners.