Email spoofing refers to fraudulent attempts by cybercriminals to impersonate an individual or enterprise by taking advantage of servers and mailing software to disguise their identity. Using simple, off-the-shelf options, they can send out emails that, on arrival to a victim’s inbox, will resemble an authentic email address.
Spoofing is a tactic employed for a variety of schemes that range from annoying and disruptive to malicious and criminal. Whether they keep IT teams unnecessarily occupied or download malicious software onto company devices, emails that bypass mail security filters using spoofing can cause chaos for companies.
In the following sections, we’ll explore some of the steps that IT professionals can take to safeguard against this problematic ploy.
Establish a DMARC protocol
DMARC is a type of authentication protocol designed for email, reporting and policy. Its purpose is to help recipients in authenticating mail sent from an enterprise’s domain by utilising two separate methods of authentication, SPF and DKIM. The two different protocols can verify that a server or IP address issuing an email from a domain is authorised to do so and that the emails have not been altered or tampered with.
By correctly setting up a DMARC protocol, you can defend your contacts from spoofing scams, as they are the individuals who are most likely to fall for a spoofed email that looks like it was sent by your company. Possessing a DMARC record will also work as a deterrent to cybercriminals, who will be less inclined to attempt spoofing your email address. A dedicated DMARC policy can also make certain your email campaigns arrive at their intended destination, as verification will aid your messages in avoiding spam filters and folders. Lastly, a DMARC protocol will offer you a detailed overview of how your email domain is currently being used.
Employ a “throwaway” email address
Whether it’s a supplier mailing list or an online service, your company may want to stay in the loop on deals and offers, but adding your contact email can be risky. If the third-party company is compromised, your address could fall into the wrong hands and be used in spoofing attacks against your suppliers and clients, damaging your reputation. To combat this, consider establishing a temporary email address for such purposes. Firstly, your contacts will be less likely to be fooled by emails sent from the less official account, and secondly, if the address is compromised, you can delete it with minimal disruption to your operation.
Limit your digital footprint
Make certain no unnecessary email addresses are posted on your website or social media, and educate and encourage your staff to follow this example. The more you limit your digital footprint, the less likely it will be for hackers to make use of your information.
For comprehensive email security, Galaxkey has developed a safe workspace suited to enterprise personnel. Our system allows employees to work safely from any location and on any device, empowered with cutting-edge solutions that allow them to track emails and acquire digital signatures when verification is required. Contact our team today for further information.
