Quote Originally Posted by Alan View Post
Granted I'm not fully up-to-speed on current malware risks but I'm not familiar with any auto-execute code embedded in text messages that aren't immediately identified and patched in up-to-date os's.
Are you familiar with Pegasus? https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pegasus_(spyware) Were you concerned about it 3 months ago before it became big news.

Are you aware that Apple recently released security updates for its devices after researchers identified a so-called "zero-click" exploit affecting its iMessage messaging service? https://www.euronews.com/next/2021/0...egasus-spyware

By the time people like you and I hear about a new virus or malware exploit that is actually being used, the bad guys have often been using it undetected for weeks, months, or even years. Software and computer operating systems are so complex now and involve so many people in their creation that finding all the little goofs and unintentional backdoors is almost impossible until someone notices an intrusion and is savvy enough to figure out how it was done.

So I have no doubt that zero-click exploits via text message either are out there already or will be. And I see no reason to use a smartphone if all I need is text messages and plain old voice phone calls. But like you said, to each his own.