Check the sender’s email address
The first step to identifying email spoofing is to verify the sender’s email address. Many spoofing emails use a fake email address that resembles a legitimate one. For example, instead of coming from john.doe@company.com, the email may come from johndoe@company.com or johndoe@comapny.com.
Take a closer look at the sender’s email address and check for any discrepancies or spelling mistakes. Also, hover over the sender’s name or email address to see the actual email address. Verify that the email address is legitimate before responding to the email.
Check the content of the email
Emails from spoofing attacks are usually created to entice the recipient into taking action or providing sensitive information. Therefore, it is important to check the content of the email before responding or clicking on any links.
Be wary of emails that require you to click on a link or download an attachment. Before clicking on any links, hover over the link to see where it goes. If the link is redirecting you to a suspicious website, do not click on it.
Check the email header
The email header contains information about the sender and how the email was sent. It is hidden from view by default, but you can view it in most email clients by clicking on “View Full Header” or “Show Original.”
Look for any discrepancies in the email header, such as the sender’s IP address or server location. The email header may also contain other information, such as the time it was sent, the client used to send it, and any hops it made before reaching your inbox.
Enable SPF, DKIM, and DMARC
SPF (Sender Policy Framework), DKIM (Domain Keys Identified Mail), and DMARC (Domain-based Message Authentication, Reporting, and Conformance) are email authentication protocols that verify the authenticity of the email.
SPF verifies that the sender of an email is authorized to send emails on behalf of a domain. DKIM adds a digital signature to the email to ensure that it has not been tampered with. DMARC combines SPF and DKIM to provide a more comprehensive email authentication system.
Enable these authentication protocols in your email client to reduce the risk of email spoofing attacks.
Use an email filtering service
An email filtering service can help identify and block email spoofing attacks. These services use machine learning algorithms to analyze incoming emails and determine whether they are legitimate or not.
Most email filtering services offer real-time scans, blocking emails that contain suspicious content, attachments, or links. They can also flag emails with spoofed email addresses or unusual sender activity.
Conclusion
Email spoofing is a serious cyber threat that can cause significant damage to individuals and businesses alike. By following these tips, you can protect yourself from becoming a victim of email spoofing attacks.
Remember to always verify the sender’s email address, check the content of the email, and review the email header. Enable email authentication protocols such as SPF, DKIM, and DMARC, and consider using an email filtering service to prevent fraudulent emails from reaching your inbox.