What is a spoofing attack?

How a spoofing attack works

Spoofing attacks involve assuming fake identities to fool targets. The most common spoofing method uses messages and human contact, although spoofers can also work behind the scenes to target websites and network traffic.

Attackers typically start by creating a convincing identity that resembles trusted contacts. In a business environment, this could be a bank, insurer, SaaS security partner, or a senior colleague. In private life, victims often respond to fake Amazon emails or phone calls from bogus Microsoft security experts.

Criminals then employ various spoofing techniques to reach their targets and use social engineering techniques to persuade victims to take risky actions.

For example, criminals deliver written or voice messages that build trust. They use an urgent tone to encourage rapid responses without time for reflection. Phishers also base emails on in-depth research (often using databases available on the Dark Web).

In other spoofing attacks, criminals imitate digital identifiers and do not directly contact the victims. Examples of this attack type include spoofing IP addresses and website spoofing. Targets may not know they are sending data to fake addresses or websites until it is too late.

Types of spoofing

Criminals can spoof many digital identities, from SMS senders to websites. Companies must understand the diverse range of spoofing attacks when creating prevention strategies. Common spoofing techniques include:

URL spoofing

Also known as website spoofing, URL spoofing creates fake website addresses. These website addresses closely resemble trusted sites, such as eCommerce retailers or service providers. Unlike legitimate versions, the fake sites are controlled by criminals, who aim to extract information and spread malware.

Attackers often use email phishing to run URL spoofing attacks. Persuasive language fools readers into clicking links, overriding their sense of caution. However, URL spoofing can also use fake apps or standard search engine browsing to catch victims.

DNS spoofing

Also known as DNS cache poisoning, DNS spoofing targets Domain Name System servers that direct traffic around the internet.

DNS spoofing attacks inject fake records onto DNS servers. The DNS server directs visitors to websites linked to the attackers instead of the original site.

Typically, visitors arrive at a fake website that resembles their intended destination. If the fake site is well-made, users may enter sensitive information or download malware-infected files, achieving the attackers' objectives.

IP spoofing

IP address spoofing impersonates the addresses that identify devices connected to the internet. Attackers manipulate data packets, attaching fake IP addresses linked to harmless websites or devices.

Recipients of spoofed data packets see a trusted address and may open downloaded files or send data. IP spoofing attackers can then implant malware and extract confidential data.

IP spoofing is a critical part of man-in-the-middle (MITM) attacks. In MITM attacks, criminals use IP spoofing to assume a trusted identity. If successful, attackers can intercept data packets passing between network users or inject their own data at will.

IP address spoofing is also commonly used in distributed denial of service attacks (DDoS). Attackers mask large volumes of data, allowing it to pass through network defenses.

Wi-Fi spoofing

Criminals can also launch MITM attacks by spoofing Wi-Fi networks. This spoofing attack type is associated with insecure public Wi-Fi (one reason why employees should always use VPNs when working remotely).

Attackers create spoofed servers whose IDs resemble hotels or coffee shops or directly compromise the local Wi-Fi router. In both cases, they can harvest unencrypted user data.

Extension spoofing

Extension spoofing attacks falsify the extensions found after file names. Attackers disguise malicious software as harmless file types, such as jpg images. Using spoofed extensions helps them evade security filters and makes recipients more likely to open contaminated files.

Email spoofing

Email spoofing involves creating fake sender addresses. One way is using email addresses that resemble legitimate versions (often with subtle changes that readers miss). More reliable methods compromise and control email servers, making spoofing harder to detect.

In any case, email spoofing follows a standard playbook. The content of spoofed phishing emails tends to be urgent, hooking victims with narratives about emergencies and security alerts.

Recipients may act recklessly without considering the security implications and provide email-spoofing attackers with the data they seek. In other cases, victims click links to fake websites that demand valuable information. Or they may download attachments infected with malware.

The business email compromise is a common email spoofing variant. In this spoofing attack, criminals impersonate high-ranking colleagues or contacts. They use spoofing techniques to appear legitimate and deceive email users into providing valuable information, such as bank access details.

Caller ID spoofing

This spoofing attack technique is common in vishing (voice phishing) incidents. Attackers spoof the caller IDs that identify incoming telephone calls. Victims see trusted IDs from internal colleagues or corporate partners. In that situation, victims are more likely to provide valuable information such as bank logins or personal data.

Text message spoofing

Text message spoofing uses fake SMS messages to deceive victims. Attackers create false sender IDs that mimic colleagues, clients, or trusted organizations like banks. Attackers adopt an urgent tone, urging victims to take risky actions.

Text message spoofing relies on links embedded in SMS messages. Using malicious links works well because checking links is harder on smartphones than on computers. Posing as a legitimate actor is also easier because SMS protocols also lack security features.

GPS spoofing

GPS spoofing sends fake locations to victims. This compromises their ability to manage journeys, track products, or log time data. In extreme cases, attackers can control vehicles via spoofed GPS information. This is a serious problem for shipping companies and drone users, where remote control is critical.

Biometric spoofing

Companies increasingly rely on biometric authentication to secure digital and physical assets. Criminals can work around these barriers by spoofing facial details, voice patterns, or fingerprints. For example, skilled criminals can use silicon molds to extract fingerprint profiles. They can use high-resolution imagery to spoof faces or audio recordings to copy voices.

How to detect spoofing

In the digital world, telling honest contacts from criminals is not easy. Organizations need a vigilant approach to detect suspicious identities and patterns associated with spoofing attacks.

Detecting email spoofing

There are several ways to spot potential email spoofing attacks. Headers and sender addresses are often incorrectly spelled. Body text may contain errors, and embedded links usually don't match perfectly with legitimate destinations.

A quick Google query can also help you verify email senders. There are websites that maintain global databases of active phishing emails. In many cases, emails reach thousands of targets. Someone may have flagged your email as a threat.

Pay attention to the tone of emails as well. Email spoofing seeks rapid and reckless responses. Criminals make sudden requests that would normally require authentication. Treat any emails asking for credentials or financial details as suspicious.

Detecting website and IP address spoofing

Other types of spoofing are often hard to detect without specialist cybersecurity tools. However, evidence can point towards spoofed websites.

Check for the lock symbol in the address bar, as spoofed sites may lack security certificates. Legitimate sites usually employ secure HTTPS language. If the "S" is missing, you could be dealing with a spoofer.

Using a password manager also helps. Password managers log credentials for authenticated sites but will not recognize spoofed versions. If a familiar site asks for fresh credentials, check for signs of spoofing or DNS cache poisoning.

Firewalls can help detect spoofed IP packets, matching incoming data with recognized source addresses. Even better, Deep Packet Inspection checks the contents of packets, potentially identifying malware payloads.

Spoofing attack prevention methods

Spoofers conceal their activities and are hard to spot. However, the correct countermeasures will help companies manage spoofing attack risks. Follow the tips below to prevent spoofing attacks before they damage your network security:

• Prioritize staff training. Well-trained employees are your first defense against email, caller ID, SMS, and GPS spoofing attacks. Use workshops and regular tests to build awareness of spoofing techniques and how to raise concerns.
• Enforce strong security policies. Security policies should ban clicking on links in emails from unknown contacts or downloading unsolicited attachments.
• Secure your email setup. Turn on spam filters and require the use of encrypted email for transmitting confidential data. Configure tools like Sender Policy Frameworks and harden your email servers to filter suspicious emails at source.
• Create verification processes. Empower staff to verify the sender of every email or SMS message. Extend this to senior executives as well. Remember, attackers use the Business Email Compromise to pose as senior staff. Junior colleagues to be capable of challenging emails from managers if they appear suspicious.
• Safeguard your web assets. Implement DNSSEC security extensions to authenticate DNS records and avoid tampering. Use DNS filtering to block known attack sites. Routinely update DNS server firmware to keep pace with criminal threats.
• Secure mobile devices. Encourage employees to use separate mobile devices for work and leisure. Implement Sender ID for professional messages and educate staff about the dangers of faked links.

There are many types of spoofing attacks. Criminals can pose as Wi-Fi networks, email servers, respected companies, or even colleagues in the same building. Implement comprehensive measures to detect and prevent spoofing, and protect your data from network security threats.