Introduction
Security threats are always evolving and finding new ways to manipulate our trust. One confusing and increasingly common issue we have been noticing at Loyola is receiving suspicious emails that appear to come from your own address. If you’ve ever wondered, “Did I really send that email?” or “Is someone else using my account?” You are not alone. This tactic is called email spoofing, and while it can be alarming, it doesn’t always mean your account has been hacked. Here’s what spoofing is, how it works, and what you can do to protect yourself.
What is Spoofing?
Email spoofing occurs when someone sends an email that appears to come from a trusted sender but is actually forged. The sender’s address in the email header is manipulated to look like it came from you or someone you know. The goal is to trick recipients into a false sense of security, hoping they will open the message, click on harmful links, and share sensitive information.
How is it Done?
Spoofing takes advantage of weaknesses in the way email systems verify the sender. Attackers exploit Simple Mail Transfer Protocol (SMTP), which is the basic system that moves emails around. When an email is sent, the “From” address can be altered without the receiving server checking if it is legitimate. Attackers use this to make the email appear as though it came from any address they choose.
Misspellings versus Forged Addresses
Sometimes scammers create email addresses that look very similar to real ones by making small changes. For example, they might replace the letter “i” with the number “1.” This is different from spoofing where the attacker directly forges your exact email address. Both techniques aim to deceive you but work in slightly different ways. Spoofing tends to have a higher phish rate, as it is more accurate and realistic looking than misspelled addresses.
Is Someone in My Account?
Not necessarily. Spoofing can happen without anyone accessing your account. However, it is smart to check your email account activity and sent messages for anything unusual. If you find suspicious activity and believe your account is compromised, change your password immediately, inform UISO, and enable multi-factor authentication to protect your account.
What to Do With Spoofed Messages?
Spoofed emails can look convincing, but it is crucial to avoid engaging with them entirely. Here’s how to handle them:
- Do not reply. Responding can confirm to attackers that your email address is active, which may increase the number of spam or spoofed emails you receive.
- Do not click any links or download attachments. Even if the email looks like it came from you or a friend, treat it as unsafe until verified.
- Check your account activity. Look in your Sent folder and recent sign-in history to confirm there are no unauthorized messages or logins. If you find suspicious activity, change your password immediately.
- Report the spoof. Forward the email to ITSServiceDesk@luc.edu. This helps our security team stay informed on potential university attacks.
- Delete the message. Once reported, remove it from your inbox to prevent accidental clicks in the future.
- Stay alert for follow-up attempts. Spoofers may send multiple messages over time. Being aware of the pattern makes them easier to spot. Attackers often stop when there is no interaction.
Conclusion
Email spoofing is a common way attackers try to trick people into trusting fake messages. While it can be alarming to see emails that appear to come from your own address, it does not always mean your account is compromised. By staying alert and following security best practices, you can help protect yourself and the campus community. If you ever have questions or concerns, contact Loyola’s UISO for assistance.