Techniques to Identify and Protect Against Scams or Phishing Attacks

Tags: #cybersecurity #security #secops #email #phishing #scam

Last Reviewed: 26/08/2024

Verify the 'From' Domain:

Always check the email address of the sender to ensure it matches exactly with the official domain of the organization it claims to be from.
Look for common tricks such as similar-looking domains (e.g., “paypal-mail-server.com” instead of “paypal.com”).

Inspect the 'Reply-To' Field:

Check if the 'reply-to' address is different from the 'from' address. Scammers may use a legitimate-looking domain in the 'from' field but direct replies to a different email.

Check 'Mailed By' and 'Signed By':

In Gmail, examine the 'mailed by' and 'signed by' fields, which should match the claimed domain if the email is legitimate.
A mismatch can indicate a potential spoofing attempt.

Look for 'Via' in Gmail:

If Gmail shows a 'via' label, it means the email was sent by a domain different from the 'from' address. This could be a sign of a spoofed email.

Use Email Authentication Records (SPF, DKIM, DMARC):

SPF (Sender Policy Framework): Verifies if the sending server is authorized to send emails for the domain. A pass indicates the email was sent from an approved server, but a fail suggests potential spoofing.
DKIM (DomainKeys Identified Mail): Ensures the email content has not been altered and confirms the sender’s identity via an encrypted signature.
DMARC (Domain-based Message Authentication, Reporting & Conformance): Confirms that the email aligns with SPF and DKIM checks and is a robust method for preventing spoofing.

Examine the Domain Closely:

Be wary of domains with subtle differences, such as using foreign characters or combining letters to mimic legitimate domains (e.g., using “rn” instead of “m”).

Check for Unicode and ASCII Characters:

Use tools like a 'Unicode Inspector' or 'ASCII Validator' to detect non-standard characters that might be used to deceive the recipient by mimicking legitimate letters.

Inspect the Full Email Headers:

In Gmail or other email programs, you can view the full headers to see the path the email took and verify the SPF, DKIM, and DMARC results manually.

Be Wary of Unexpected Attachments or Links:

Phishing emails often contain links or attachments that lead to malware or fake login pages. Avoid clicking on these unless you are certain of the email’s legitimacy.

Critical Thinking and Awareness:

Always scrutinize emails, especially unexpected ones, that ask for sensitive information or urge immediate action. Phishing attempts often create a sense of urgency.

Use Spam Filters and Anti-Phishing Tools:

Employ robust spam filters and anti-phishing tools in your email client. These can automatically detect and block many phishing attempts before they reach your inbox.

Check for Grammatical Errors and Unusual Language:

Many phishing emails contain poor grammar, unusual language, or awkward phrasing, which can be a red flag.

Hover Over Links to Verify URLs:

Before clicking any link, hover your mouse over it to see the actual URL. Ensure it matches the legitimate site and doesn’t redirect to a suspicious domain.

Verify Requests Through Official Channels:

If you receive an email asking for personal information or claiming there’s an issue with your account, contact the organization directly using their official website or phone number.

Monitor Financial Statements and Accounts:

Regularly check your bank and credit card statements for any unauthorized transactions. Early detection of fraud can limit damage.

Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA):

Enable 2FA on all accounts that support it. This adds an additional layer of security, requiring a second verification step beyond just your password.

Update Software Regularly:

Keep your operating system, browser, and antivirus software updated to protect against vulnerabilities that phishing attacks may exploit.

Educate Yourself and Others:

Stay informed about the latest phishing techniques and educate those around you about how to recognize and avoid them.

Report Phishing Attempts:

If you receive a phishing email, report it to your email provider or the company being impersonated. Many companies have dedicated email addresses or forms for reporting phishing.

Use Email Sandboxing or Virtual Machines for Suspicious Attachments:

Open suspicious attachments in a sandboxed environment or a virtual machine to prevent any potential malware from affecting your main system.