Email: The Favorite Tool of Cyber Criminals

Email has become an indispensable part of our daily lives, but it also serves as a favored tool for cyber criminals. In recent years, these criminals have developed techniques so sophisticated that they can even deceive cybersecurity experts. Cyber criminals send socially engineered emails that appear to come from direct managers, friends, or even spouses, all aimed at convincing the recipient to click on a link or open an attachment. This blog post explores the various types of email attacks and how they specifically target women, often with catchy titles designed to deceive.

Different Ways Email Threats Occur

Malicious Attachments

Malicious email attachments are an increasing threat to corporate and personal security. Disguised as documents, voicemails, e-faxes, or PDFs, these attachments are designed to launch an attack when opened. By executing such attachments, malicious code can download onto your system, infecting it.

Tip: Always scan attachments before opening them and avoid clicking on links in emails from unknown senders.

Double Extensions

Attackers can bypass file upload validation by using double extensions. For example, a file named "filename.php.123" might be interpreted as a PHP file and executed, despite appearing harmless.

Tip: Use file upload forms with a whitelisting approach to only allow files with known and accepted extensions.

Fake Emails

Cyber criminals sometimes use fake email addresses that mimic legitimate ones, such as "services@facebook.com," and include malicious attachments. For example, an attachment named "Facebook_Password_4cf91.zip" might claim to contain your new Facebook password but instead infects your computer.

Tip: Verify the sender of the email and be cautious of unexpected emails claiming to provide passwords or request personal information.

Spam Emails

Spammers obtain email addresses from newsgroups, unscrupulous websites, or by guessing. Spam messages fill your inbox and can contain viruses or malware. By opening such emails, your system can be compromised.

Tip: Use a quality email filter, ignore or delete spam emails, and never unsubscribe or reply to spam, as it confirms your email address to the spammer.

Phishing Emails

Phishing emails appear authentic, often mimicking your bank’s graphics and logos. They might include links to seemingly legitimate websites but are designed to steal personal information or install malware.

Tip: Look for grammatical errors and avoid clicking on links in suspicious emails. Ignore offers of free gifts from unknown sources.

Hoaxes

A hoax attempts to make the recipient believe something false. These emails deliberately spread fear or doubt among users.

Tip: Use encryption software like PGP to secure email messages, ensuring they can only be decrypted by the intended recipient. Avoid sending personal information via email.

Protect Yourself from Email Threats

• Educate Yourself: Awareness is the most effective preventive strategy. Stay informed about potential email security threats.
• Be Skeptical: Always question unsolicited requests for personal or sensitive information.
• Verify Senders: Confirm the identity of anyone requesting information.
• Use Security Tools: Employ email filters, encryption software, and regularly update your antivirus programs.
• Avoid Suspicious Emails: Ignore or delete emails from unknown sources, and never click on links or attachments without verification.