Understanding “Email Spoofing”
Recently, you might have received an email that caused you concern. You’re not alone, and at KIUBIX, we want to help you understand what happened. What you experienced is called “email spoofing.”
What is email spoofing? “Email spoofing” is a technique that some malicious individuals use to make an email appear as if it’s coming from an address that isn’t actually theirs. It’s like someone putting your address on a letter you didn’t send.
Examples to understand better:
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Postal letters: Imagine receiving a letter that seems to be sent by you. But upon opening it, you don’t recognize the content. That’s what happens with email spoofing, but in the digital world.
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Phone calls: It’s like if your phone displays a call from your own number. But when you answer, you hear a stranger.
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Fake stores: Imagine a store that says “Apple”, but they sell fruits. The exterior might deceive, but the interior reveals the truth.
Why did you receive that email?
The email you received is a common trick. Scammers try to scare you into acting impulsively. Even if they claim they accessed your email, the reality is they don’t need your password to impersonate you using “spoofing.”
How do they achieve this?
Email spoofing relies on how the email system works. When sending an email, a protocol called SMTP is used. This protocol, designed in the early days of email, doesn’t verify who sends the email. Thus, fraudsters can set up SMTP servers, use spoofing tools, and send emails as if they were you.
How to protect yourself?
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Verify the content: When faced with suspicious emails, even if they seem trustworthy, verify the information before acting.
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Set up security measures: If you own a domain, set up SPF, DKIM, and DMARC to protect your users from spoofing.
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Observe the details: Don’t trust just the sender’s address. Look for other signs of fraudulent emails, like grammatical errors or suspicious links.
If you feel someone might have genuinely accessed your account, we recommend changing your password. And if you want a deeper investigation, you can hire the services of KIUBIX Squad.
Awareness and education are essential to protect yourself in the digital world. If you have more questions or concerns, contact us. We’re here to help.
