4 Tips to Protect Against Spoofing Attacks
- Apr 24
- 3 min read
Learn How to Protect Your Business from Internal Email Impersonation
Cyber threats are constantly evolving, but sometimes, the most dangerous attacks aren’t the most complex. They’re the ones that look familiar.
Spoofing attacks are currently on the rise, and many businesses are being caught off guard by emails that appear to come from inside their own organization.
As Andrew, Team Lead of Internal Services at BAE Networks, clearly explains:
Spoofing is a form of phishing attack where...an email is pretending to come from someone else.
If you’ve noticed an increase in suspicious or unexpected emails recently, you’re not alone.
What is Spoofing?
Spoofing is a form of phishing attack where a cybercriminal disguises an email to make it appear as though it’s coming from a trusted source, often someone within your own company.
Instead of coming from a clearly suspicious address, these emails may look like they’re sent from:
A coworker,
A manager or executive, or
Your own email domain
The goal is simple: trick you into clicking a link, downloading a file, or sharing sensitive information.
Why Spoofing Attacks are Increasing
There has been a noticeable spike in spoofing attempts driven by the abuse of legitimate tools, particularly features such as Microsoft’s Direct Send.
We've seen a major uptick in these kinds of attacks...due to a Microsoft feature called Direct Send...being hijacked to allow threat actors to send emails that look like it's coming from your own email.
Originally designed to send emails from devices like printers and scanners, this functionality is now being exploited by threat actors. It allows them to send messages that appear to originate within your organization, making them far more convincing.
This shift makes spoofing attacks harder to detect and more dangerous than ever.
How to Spot a Spoofed Email
Even the most convincing spoofed emails often include subtle warning signs. Watch for:
Unexpected requests (especially urgent ones),
Slightly unusual wording or tone,
Requests for sensitive information or credentials, and/or
Links or attachments you weren’t expecting
When something feels off, trust that instinct.
Anytime you receive an email that seems strange or that you weren't expecting, take an extra moment and verify.
The 4-Layer Defense Against Spoofing
Protecting your business from spoofing requires more than just one solution. A strong cybersecurity strategy includes multiple layers of defense:
1. Employee Awareness & Training
Your people are your first line of defense.
The number one defense is always going to be education...and a healthy degree of skepticism.
Encourage employees to:
Approach unexpected emails with skepticism
Verify requests through another channel (call, message, in-person)
Avoid clicking links or downloading attachments without confirmation
Ongoing training and phishing simulations can significantly reduce risk.
2. Domain Security
Properly configuring your domain helps prevent attackers from impersonating your organization.
Making sure that messages being sent from and received by your domain are verified as acceptable and are not being spoofed.
This includes implementing:
SPF (Sender Policy Framework)
DKIM (DomainKeys Identified Mail)
DMARC (Domain-based Message Authentication, Reporting & Conformance)
3. Advanced Email Security
Even with strong domain protections, some threats may still get through.
A robust email security solution can:
Filter spam and malicious messages
Detect suspicious behavior
Quarantine potentially harmful emails before they reach users
4. A Responsive Security Team
No system is foolproof—which is why having a team in place to respond quickly is critical.
If a malicious link is clicked, your security team should be ready to:
Immediately secure the account,
Sign the user out of active sessions,
Investigate the incident, and
Prevent further spread.
Fast action can mean the difference between a minor incident and a major breach.
Stay Ahead of Emerging Threats
Spoofing attacks are becoming more sophisticated, but with the right combination of awareness, technology, and response, your business can stay protected.
At BAE Networks, we're always on the lookout for new trends and implementing new security protocols across the board.
At BAE Networks, that proactive approach is built into everything we do.
Need Help Strengthening Your Email Security?
If you’re concerned about spoofing or want to ensure your defenses are up to date, our team is here to help.
Contact BAE Networks today to learn how we can protect your business from evolving cyber threats.
