Impersonation attacks are a very deadly and potentially costly kind of cyber attack. They usually involve the attacker pretending to be authorised users to bypass security infrastructure and extract sensitive data.
Unfortunately, with every technological advancement, threats like Impersonation attacks will continue to emerge and grow.
Examples of impersonation attack
- Email spoofing: The hackers start by sending fraudulent emails from a falsified sender address. Posing as a legitimate entity to deceive receivers into clicking infected links or submitting private information.
- IP spoofing: Here, the hacker creates an IP that is meant to look like a perfect copy of a legitimate address. Allowing them to circumvent any security put in place and wreak havoc.
- Caller ID spoofing: In this example, the attackers create fake caller ID data to pose as a trusted institution like a bank or government agency. The aim is to disclose sensitive information to the hackers.
Preventing impersonation attacks
- Enable multi-factor authentication (MFA) for an additional wall of defence.
- Confirm the identity of the service or individual you’re in contact with before you share any private information.
- Make use of digital signatures and encryption to verify the authenticity of communications.
- Look for any signs of impersonation, like grammar errors, unusual requests, or missteps in communication.
