Email spoofing is a common technique used by cybercriminals to deceive recipients into thinking that an email is coming from a trusted source. Display name spoofing is one type of email spoofing where only the sender's display name is forged. This makes it necessary for individuals and organizations to take steps to protect themselves against display name spoofing.

 

Display name spoofing attacks

Display name spoofing is one of the most common types of phishing attacks. With this tactic, an attacker alters the display name on an email header to look like it’s coming from a trusted source. These attacks can be especially dangerous when an employee reads the email with a mobile device. On a smartphone, for example, the actual sending email address is often hidden, leaving only the display name to identify the sender.

According to Cybernews, most spoofing attacks try to “invoke a sense of urgency or fear in victims. This tricks users into clicking on malicious links, sending money to scammers, or opening attachments with scripts.” When supposedly coming from a company executive, spoofed emails often just ask for a timely reply, which in turn leads to more damaging instructions.

 

The dangers of display name spoofing

Display name spoofing can have serious consequences for both individuals and organizations. By impersonating a trusted sender, cybercriminals can trick recipients into revealing sensitive information, clicking on malicious links, or even transferring funds. The deceptive nature of display name spoofing makes it difficult for recipients to distinguish between legitimate and malicious emails. This can result in financial loss, data breaches, and reputational damage. Be aware of the dangers of display name spoofing and take proactive measures to protect against it.

Read more: Display name spoofing

 

Reasons behind display name spoofing

There are several reasons why cybercriminals engage in display name spoofing. One of the primary motivations is phishing. By impersonating someone the recipient knows or trusts, cybercriminals can trick individuals into providing confidential information or clicking on malicious links. In fact, according to Deloitte, “91% of all cyberattacks begin with a phishing email to an unexpected victim.” Display name spoofing is also used for identity theft, where cybercriminals gather personal data from victims by pretending to be someone else.

Read also: What is a phishing attack?

 

Countermeasures against display name spoofing

While it may be impossible to completely stop display name spoofing due to vulnerabilities in email protocols, there are countermeasures that individuals and organizations can implement to protect against this type of cyber threat. Some of the most effective countermeasures include:

Sender policy framework

Sender policy framework (SPF) is an email authentication method that helps prevent email spoofing. It allows domain owners to specify which servers are authorized to send emails on their behalf. By implementing SPF records, organizations can prevent cyber criminals from impersonating their domain in display name spoofing attacks.

 

DomainKeys identified mail

DomainKeys identified mail (DKIM) is another email authentication method that verifies the authenticity of the email's domain. It uses encryption to make sure that the email has not been modified during transit. By implementing DKIM, organizations can add an additional layer of protection against display name spoofing.

 

Domain-based message authentication, reporting & conformance

Domain-based message authentication, reporting & conformance (DMARC) is a policy framework that builds upon SPF and DKIM to provide further protection against email spoofing. DMARC allows domain owners to specify how email providers should handle emails that fail SPF or DKIM checks. By implementing DMARC, organizations can instruct email providers to reject or quarantine emails that do not pass authentication checks, reducing the risk of display name spoofing.

Secure/multipurpose internet mail extensions

Secure/multipurpose internet mail extensions (S/MIME) is a cryptographic protocol that provides end-to-end encryption for email communication. By digitally signing emails with S/MIME certificates, senders can make sure that the email has not been tampered with and comes from a trusted source. Implementing S/MIME can help protect against display name spoofing by verifying the authenticity of the sender.

 

Best practices to protect against display name spoofing

In addition to implementing email authentication methods, there are several best practices individuals and organizations can follow to protect against display name spoofing:

  • Educate users: Provide training and awareness programs to educate users about the dangers of display name spoofing and how to identify suspicious emails.
  • Verify email sources: Always verify the source of an email before clicking on any links or providing sensitive information. Check the email header for any red flags or inconsistencies.
  • Inspect email headers: Take the time to inspect the email headers, especially when the email asks you to click on a link or provide confidential information. Look for any signs of spoofing, such as mismatched IP addresses or failed authentication checks.
  • Use email filters: Enable email filters or anti-spam software that can detect and block suspicious emails, including those that may be the result of display name spoofing.
  • Report suspicious emails: If you receive a suspicious email, report it to your email service provider or IT department. This can help them identify and track display name spoofing attacks.
  • Use two-factor authentication: Implement two-factor authentication for email accounts to add an extra layer of security. This can help prevent unauthorized access to your account, even if the display name is spoofed.

See also: HIPAA Compliant Email: The Definitive Guide

 

Paubox ExecProtect vs display name spoofing

Stops display name-spoofing attacks

Unlike other product offerings, which can only warn recipients of a possible spoof with banners on an email (which are easily ignored by the recipient), ExecProtect quarantines display name-spoofing emails.

 

Administrators are notified of attacks as they happen

Paubox will send an ExecProtect notification when a display name spoofing attack is found and quarantined. Administrators can easily keep track of the volume of threats coming in and prove value in display name spoofing prevention.

 

No employee training needed

ExecProtect doesn't require employee training because attacks are stopped before they reach employees' inboxes.

 

Protect variations of names

It's possible to protect name variations. For example, if Robert Smith is a protected name, customers can set up ExecProtect to include variations of the name, like Bob Smith or Bobby Smith.

See also: HIPAA Compliant Email: The Definitive Guide

 

In the news

Google now automatically blocks emails from bulk senders who fail to meet stricter spam thresholds and authentication requirements, enhancing its spam defenses. This will strengthen email security for users of Gmail and other Google services. Furthermore, Google's spoofing defense contributes to building trust and confidence among users, making sure that they can rely on the authenticity of emails received through Google's platforms. This defense mechanism safeguards users' sensitive information, privacy, and overall online security.

 

FAQs

What's the difference between a hacked and spoofed account?

A hacked account means that the attacker has gained full access to the email account and can send emails directly from it. On the other hand, a spoofed account means that the attacker is only impersonating the account's display name, making it appear as though the email is coming from that account. The spoofed account remains untouched, while the hacked account is compromised.

 

What should I do if my email has been spoofed?

If your email has been spoofed, there is not much you can do to prevent the spoofed emails from being sent. Notify your contacts about the spoofing and advise them not to open any suspicious emails or click on any links. Additionally, make sure to change your email password regularly to prevent unauthorized access to your account.

 

What is the aim of display name spoofing?

Display name spoofing aims to deceive recipients into thinking that an email is coming from a trusted source. This can be used to trick individuals into revealing sensitive information, clicking on malicious links, or transferring funds. Display name spoofing is often used in phishing attacks and identity theft attempts.

 

What does spoofing a name mean?

Spoofing is a type of scam in which a criminal disguises an email address, display name, phone number, text message, or website URL to convince a target that they are interacting with a known, trusted source.

 

What does it mean when your account is spoofed?

Spoofing happens when someone sends emails making it look like they were sent from your account. In reality, the emails are sent through a spoofer's non-AOL server. They show your address in the "From" field to trick people into opening them and potentially infecting their accounts and computers.

 

What is scammer spoofing?

Spoofing is when a caller deliberately falsifies the information transmitted to your caller ID display to disguise their identity.

Read also: Top HIPAA compliant email services