Unmasking Cyber Threats: A Guide to Tracing Suspicious Emails

Emails are the backbone of modern communication, used for both personal and business purposes. However, the convenience of email also makes it a prime target for cybercriminals. From phishing scams to malware attacks, suspicious emails can wreak havoc on unsuspecting recipients. But there’s good news—by learning to trace suspicious emails, you can uncover their origins, verify their legitimacy, and protect yourself from cyber threats.

What is Email Tracing?

Email tracing is the process of tracking the sender’s identity and origin by examining email headers, IP addresses, and other embedded data. This method allows you to uncover details such as where the email was sent from, what servers it passed through, and whether it’s a potential scam. With email scams on the rise—like the FBI's report of $43 billion in losses due to business email compromise (BEC) scams—tracing becomes a vital tool in your cybersecurity toolkit.

Why Trace Suspicious Emails?

Imagine receiving an email that appears to be from your bank, urgently asking you to update your account details. While it looks legitimate, a closer inspection reveals that the email is a phishing attempt. Fraudsters often craft emails that seem genuine but are designed to trick you into revealing sensitive information. By tracing these emails, you can expose their true source and take immediate action before falling victim.

How to Trace Suspicious Emails: A Step-by-Step Guide

1. Access the Full Email Header:
   Every email contains a hidden header with details about its journey. Access the full header by selecting “View Full Header” in your email client. For Gmail, click the three dots next to the reply button, and select “Show Original.”

2. Identify Key Information:
   The email header contains crucial data, such as the sender's IP address, time stamps, and server information. Look for “Received” lines, which show where the email was sent from and the servers it passed through.

3. Use Email Tracing Tools:
   Copy the full header and paste it into email tracing tools such as MxToolbox, WhatIsMyIPAddress, or IP-Address.com. These tools will help you analyze the sender’s IP address and trace its geographic origin.

4. Analyze Results:
   The tracing tool will give you information like the sender’s IP location, domain server, and time of transmission. If the email originates from an unfamiliar or suspicious location, it’s likely a scam.

Benefits of Email Tracing

Tracing suspicious emails is more than just a defence mechanism—it’s a proactive strategy for protecting your digital space. The key benefits include:

• Unmasking Fraudsters: Email tracing helps you uncover phishing attempts, business email compromise scams, and malware-laden emails before they cause harm.
• Protecting Sensitive Information: By avoiding email-based scams, you prevent sensitive data from being leaked or stolen.
• Enhanced Cyber Vigilance: Tracing builds awareness of common scam tactics and boosts your overall cybersecurity knowledge.

Example:
Take the case of a company CFO who received an email from what appeared to be the CEO, requesting a wire transfer for an urgent business deal. The CFO was about to proceed but decided to trace the email first. Upon examining the email header, it was clear the email had originated from an IP address in a different country. By tracing the email, the CFO prevented a costly scam.

Stay Safe: Know the Warning Signs

Recognize the red flags: requests for sensitive information, unfamiliar URLs, spelling or grammatical errors, and messages that create urgency. These often indicate phishing attempts. Before clicking on any links or sharing details, always verify the source.

Conclusion

Email tracing empowers you to take control of your cybersecurity by uncovering the truth behind suspicious messages. In an era where email scams are increasingly sophisticated, tracing serves as an essential safeguard. By staying informed and leveraging the right tools, you can protect yourself from phishing scams, financial fraud, and potential data breaches.

Don’t be a victim—trace it before you trust it!

Cyber Hygiene Community