TextNow adopts Enea firewall to combat rising SMS fraud risk
Mobile virtual network operator TextNow has entered into a new partnership with telecommunications cybersecurity provider Enea to address rising threats from spam and fraudulent text messaging. The agreement will see TextNow adopt Enea's Adaptive Messaging Firewall and Threat Intelligence Services to strengthen user protection across its platform.
Increasing SMS fraud
Text messaging has become a major target for cybercriminals, with reports of fraudulent texts on the rise. The U.S. Federal Trade Commission has recorded a 60 per cent year-on-year increase in scam text complaints, positioning SMS as the second most exploited fraud channel after email. According to a 2024 report by Statistics Canada, the number of fraud cases in the country almost doubled between 2012 and 2022, increasing from 79,000 to 150,000 over a ten-year period.
Enea analysts have observed a particular spike in so-called "cold-opener" scams-messages that begin innocuously as wrong-number texts but illicitly engage recipients in conversation before leading to phishing or other fraudulent outcomes.
These tactics, marked by their subtlety and ability to evade standard filtering systems, represent a growing challenge for both operators and users. As such schemes increase, the pressure mounts on service providers to adopt more advanced and adaptive measures for detection and mitigation.
Technology deployment
TextNow will deploy Enea's Adaptive Messaging Firewall to extend protection for its user base. The firewall integrates with threat intelligence feeds, enabling the rapid identification and blocking of new and evolving SMS-based attacks. The collaboration is designed to enhance the capabilities of TextNow's trust and safety teams, increasing defence against sophisticated threats facing messaging networks.
"Partnering with Enea allows us to make progress in our efforts against increasingly sophisticated threats and work towards keeping those users who rely on our service as safe as possible," said Jon Halk, Head of Design and Customer Journey at TextNow.
Enea has released research suggesting operators could collectively unlock USD $29.4 billion in new revenue by shifting from fixed to variable pricing for application-to-person (A2P) SMS messaging. As brands search for more cost-effective communication channels, the need to balance robust security protocols with new revenue models remains a central issue for the industry.
The partnership between TextNow and Enea aligns with broader moves in the telecommunications industry to shore up defences amid both escalating fraud and market pressures. By integrating adaptive technology, both companies are aiming to ensure their services remain secure while also responding to changing patterns in messaging monetisation and fraud risk.
"TextNow's dedication to user security is commendable and sets a strong example in the industry," said John Hughes, SVP, Head of Network Security Business Group at Enea. "Our Adaptive Messaging Firewall equips TextNow with the tools and insights needed to ensure a safe and trusted messaging experience for all their phone users."
