Email Spoofing... The threat that steals your identity?

Feb. 4, 2009 - PRLog -- Spammers move into ‘spoofing’

Office workers and internet users who have struggled against spam emails are now facing a new nuisance in their inbox – ‘email spoofing’.

People throughout the country have become used to coping with unsolicited spam messages offering lots of dubious products and services, but many are now baffled by the spoofing messages, which are returned emails allegedly sent by you to people you’ve never heard of.

So, what’s it all about?

Roger Harry, managing director of Cardiff-based Circle IT, said, "Spam filters can automatically sort through the incoming email and divert unwanted messages into a junk folder, or simply block it from entering into the email account.

"But spammers are always seeking new ways of finding their way around these defences. Spoofing is one way they can get their messages past some email users’ defences. We know that many people are baffled by the appearance in their inbox of allegedly ‘returned’ messages to people or organisations they don’t know. Some people are worried that it may be a sign of identity theft.

"In most cases it is nothing to worry about," continued Mr Harry. "As spammers’ emails are blocked by security filters, the number of messages they manage to deliver diminishes. So they use special software to collect genuine email addresses and use them to send messages that are less likely to be intercepted."

In other words, the spammers fake an email address, so that the originator of the email becomes untraceable.

Mr Harry continued, "So the main reason for spoofing is to get sales messages through to intended recipients. Sometimes though, spoofing is intended to annoy people - causing confusion for the recipient. In some cases it could even be used to discredit the person whose address is being spoofed – by making it look as though they have sent a dubious message. And there is also the possibility that the spoofer is trying to gain confidential information from other people or spread a virus."

So how do you deal with this latest annoyance on your PC?

"It is important for people with email accounts to be aware that this method of spamming can be potentially harmful," went on Mr Harry. "It’s therefore vital to keep PC security and firewalls up to date. Never respond to an email from someone you don’t know who requests personal information. Spammers are constantly thinking of new ways to achieve their objectives.

"Spoofing may usually be nothing more than an irritation. But it’s vital that you’re always on your guard."

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Circle IT is a team of skilled professionals offering IT support and solutions for businesses across the UK. Circle IT helps businesses to stay ahead with tailored packages of IT support that fit exactly with existing resources.