Email spoofing is the act of sending emails with a forged sender address to deceive recipients.
Description
Email spoofing is a common tactic used by cybercriminals to trick individuals or organizations into believing that an email is from a trusted source. This technique involves altering the header of an email to make it appear as if it comes from a legitimate sender, such as a bank, government agency, or colleague. Attackers use this method to gain sensitive information like passwords and credit card numbers, or to spread malware. For instance, in 2016, attackers spoofed the email address of the CEO of the technology company Ubiquiti Networks to trick an employee into transferring $46.7 million to foreign bank accounts. Email spoofing often exploits the lack of authentication methods in email protocols, making it essential for organizations to implement security measures like SPF and DKIM. With the rise of phishing attacks, awareness and education about email spoofing are crucial for both individuals and businesses to prevent financial losses and protect sensitive data.
Examples
- In 2020, a spoofed email resembling a message from the World Health Organization (WHO) was used to spread COVID-19 phishing scams.
- In 2019, cybercriminals spoofed emails from the IRS to trick taxpayers into providing personal information for tax refund fraud.
Additional Information
- Email spoofing can lead to significant financial losses and reputational damage for organizations.
- Employing email authentication methods like SPF (Sender Policy Framework) and DKIM (DomainKeys Identified Mail) can help mitigate spoofing risks.