Password Spoofing also known as Login spoofing, is one of the most common practices used by attackers to steal your password. Spoofing is an attack where the invaders successfully falsify the login page of any website and convince you to give your passwords unsuspectingly. These fake login pages look legitimate and valid and thus users unknowingly share their login credentials. The attacker has it once you enter your details on the spoofed page.
You may also receive these spoofed web pages via pop-up windows or via email. The spoofed web pages are so similar to the original web page that they can mislead anyone. The traffic between your web browser and the spoofed page is sent by the spoofers, which helps them collect your personal details like contact numbers, account numbers, CC numbers, and passwords.
Spoofing is very common nowadays and can be done by anyone with control over your network’s configuration settings. He can modify the DNS configurations to create a spoofed page of any website, redirect you there, and steal your passwords.
How to avoid Password Spoofing
No matter how strong your password is, password spoofing can convince you to share it. So, what can we do to avoid these spoofing attacks and save our data from these spoofers?
- First and foremost, avoid using any random public WiFi connections, specifically the free internet connections at railway stations and airports. Connect only to the networks you trust. Remember that the attackers can set up an access point and name it Free WiFi to allure you and then plan such spoofing attacks to steal your sensitive data.
- Secondly, it is very important to recognize the spoofs. Email spoofs are quite easy to recognize if you are watchful. Any suspicious email which asks for your login credentials can be a spoof because no legitimate website will ever ask your username and passwords via email. So, do not reply to any such suspicious emails. Never ever share your passwords with anyone.
- Enable Enhanced Anti-spoofing feature in Windows 11/10.
- Take browser warnings seriously. If your web browser is giving you a warning error about invalid certificates of a particular website, do not visit that website. Remember that legitimate websites have all their certificates very well configured.
- Lastly, what you can do is be watchful of any bizarre behavior. Use ‘forgot password ‘in case you are facing any difficulty in logging into your account.
So, staying careful is the best option to avoid spoofing attacks, but another simple way can help you stay safe.
- Avoid using same passwords for different accounts.
- Create a strong password always.
- Use a good anti-virus software on your PC.
- Never click on any suspicious links arriving in your email.
Stay safe! Stay alert!
What is the difference between hacked and spoofed?
The primary difference between being hacked and spoofed is that hacking involves unauthorized access to systems or data while spoofing deceives users by impersonating trusted sources to acquire information. In spoofing, no direct system breach occurs; instead, attackers exploit communication channels to mislead individuals or entities.
Will changing password stop spoofing?
Changing your password won’t stop email spoofing, as spoofing uses your email address without accessing your account. However, regularly updating your password enhances overall security and helps prevent unauthorized access. Consider implementing email authentication methods like SPF, DKIM, and DMARC to reduce the risk of spoofing and protect your email identity.
Read next: What is Email Spoofing & how to protect yourself & stay safe.
One more reason to use a password manager. A rogue log-in page might fool you and me – but it won’t fool a password manager. And when your password manager refuses to ‘populate’ your ID and password onto a page that ‘looks’ totally legitimate — that’s a warning for you right there.