Email · Website glossary

Email spoofing

Quick answer · What is Email spoofing?

The use of falsified sender information to make an email appear to originate from someone else.

IN PRACTICE

Email spoofing: an example

A message displays a familiar business name while using an unrelated sending identity.

KEEP IN MIND

A familiar display name alone is not reliable identification; authentication and context must be considered.

Put the idea to work

Frequently asked questions

What is a practical example of Email spoofing?

A message displays a familiar business name while using an unrelated sending identity.

Is a familiar email display name reliable identification?

A familiar display name alone is not reliable identification; authentication and context must be considered.

Which concepts should I read alongside Email spoofing?

DMARC: An email authentication policy and reporting mechanism that relates SPF or DKIM authentication to the visible From domain through alignment.
Phishing: A deceptive attempt to make someone reveal information or perform an action by impersonating a trusted party.