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SPF 50 Won’t Even Protect You: Email Spoofing Surge Fuels Malspam Attacks!


Cybercriminals are ramping up email spoofing attacks, faking sender addresses to bypass security filters and trick victims into engaging with malicious content. While protocols like DKIM, DMARC, and SPF were designed to prevent spoofing, attackers are now exploiting neglected domains to slip past modern defenses.

Old Tricks, New Domains 

Hackers are leveraging abandoned or misconfigured domains to send fraudulent emails. These domains, unused for years, lack proper DNS records, allowing them to bypass email security systems undetected.

Tactics in Play 

Cybercriminals are using a mix of techniques to deceive users:

  • Phishing with QR Codes: Fake tax-related emails (mainly in Mandarin) contain QR codes linking to phishing sites designed to steal IDs and card details.
  • Brand Spoofs: Attackers impersonate trusted companies like Amazon, Mastercard, and SMBC, tricking users into entering credentials on fraudulent login pages.
  • Extortion Scams: Fake emails claim hackers recorded embarrassing videos of the victim and demand Bitcoin payments to avoid exposure.

Other Alarming Trends 

  • Phishing Pages on Trusted Platforms: Canva, Dropbox, and Google AMP are being misused to host phishing sites.
  • SMS Phishing (Smishing): Fake messages pretending to be from law enforcement or financial institutions, threatening fines or renewal fees.
  • Targeted Banking Scams: Social engineering attacks against Middle Eastern banking customers, exploiting leaked personal data to appear more convincing.

How to Stay Safe 

✔️ Verify sender domains before engaging with emails.
✔️ Never scan QR codes from untrusted sources.
✔️ Update DNS records for domains under your control.
✔️ Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) on all critical accounts.
✔️ Report phishing emails to your email provider and IT security teams.

Pro Tip: No legitimate organization will ever ask for sensitive information via email. Stay vigilant and think before you click! 

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