An email that seems legitimate could be the start of a devastating cyberattack. This is the principle behind clone phishing, an advanced evolution of traditional phishing, which relies on replicating authentic emails that the victim has already interacted with.
How Clone Phishing Works
Clone phishing exploits the attackers’ ability to duplicate legitimate emails previously received by users. Cybercriminals can intercept an authentic message, copy its content, and resend it from an address that appears legitimate.
In this process, original attachments or links are replaced with malicious elements, such as viruses, ransomware, or rootkits, designed to steal data or compromise systems.
For example, in routine business operations, if a company sends a document to a client for signing and the client returns it via email, an attacker could intercept the communication, clone the message, and resend it with an infected attachment. If the recipient does not detect the threat, the malware installs on their device, potentially compromising the security of an entire network.
Attackers also replicate mass emails sent by well-known brands, such as financial service notifications or package tracking updates. Because these messages are familiar to users, the likelihood of falling for the scam increases. Furthermore, email filters often allow these messages to pass as they appear to come from legitimate addresses.
Why This Type of Attack is Effective
The success of clone phishing lies in its ability to mimic authentic messages. Unlike traditional phishing attacks, which often contain grammatical errors or come from unfamiliar senders, cloned emails are almost indistinguishable from the originals. This technique exploits the user’s trust in familiar messages, significantly lowering their guard.
Attackers also play on the victims’ sense of urgency. Messages warning about account issues, pending payments, or potential legal sanctions are common tactics. These strategies prompt users to act quickly without thoroughly analysing the legitimacy of the email.
One example is a cloned email posing as a PayPal notification. The message might include a link redirecting to a fake website designed to steal login credentials. Similarly, in corporate environments, attackers may replicate automated messages like subscription confirmations to deceive employees and gain access to confidential information.
How to Identify a Clone Phishing Email
Detecting a cloned email can be challenging, even for experienced users. Indicators include repeated messages, suspicious links or attachments, and an urgent tone.
Users should also scrutinise sender addresses. While attackers often use legitimate addresses, they sometimes resort to identity spoofing. Verifying the authenticity of messages by contacting the company or person directly is recommended. Additionally, avoid clicking on embedded links; instead, manually enter the website’s domain in the browser to ensure safety.
Preventive Measures
Email filters are essential for detecting suspicious patterns in incoming messages. These tools can identify malicious links or attachments and quarantine emails for review. By implementing robust filtering systems and exercising caution, users can reduce the risks associated with clone phishing and protect sensitive information.