What are common phishing issues with Sendgrid and Mailgun and how are they addressed?
Summary
What email marketers say5Marketer opinions
Email marketer from StackExchange answers that compromised API keys can lead to phishing attacks through Sendgrid. They suggest regularly rotating API keys, implementing IP whitelisting, and monitoring API usage for anomalies.
Email marketer from Reddit shared that a common issue is phishers exploiting free SendGrid trials to send malicious emails. They recommend reporting suspicious activity immediately to SendGrid support and monitoring email headers for unusual sending patterns.
Email marketer from Security Boulevard explains that email remains one of the most common and effective ways for attackers to spread malware and harvest credentials. Even with security awareness training and tools to detect malicious emails, phishers are still getting through. They address that using DMARC policies and other security email protocols is important.
Email marketer from EmailSecurityFAQ responds that a key phishing tactic involves creating fake login pages that mimic legitimate services like SendGrid or Mailgun. They explain that users should always verify the URL and look for HTTPS encryption before entering credentials and recommend enabling 2FA.
Email marketer from SendGrid Blog explains that a key issue is domain spoofing, where phishers forge the 'From' address. They address this through SPF, DKIM, and DMARC to authenticate sending sources and ensure emails are legitimate. They also emphasize monitoring sender reputation and promptly addressing abuse reports.
What the experts say6Expert opinions
Expert from Word to the Wise explains that phishing attacks can severely damage brand reputation if customers believe they are receiving legitimate emails from a company. They address this by recommending active monitoring for phishing attempts, prompt communication with customers about potential threats, and working with ISPs and email providers to shut down phishing sites.
Expert from Spam Resource explains that one common issue is phishers gaining access to legitimate Sendgrid or Mailgun accounts through compromised credentials. They address this by recommending strong password policies, multi-factor authentication, and monitoring account activity for suspicious behavior.
Expert from Email Geeks shares that both Sendgrid and Mailgun have had pretty big phishing problems lately and are working on it and can provide contacts if needed.
Expert from Email Geeks mentions that abuse@sendgrid and abuse@mailgun are both monitored for reporting abuse.
Expert from Email Geeks explains that Sendgrid and Mailgun chase the phishers around, get it under control, but the phishers figure out how to bypass security again.
Expert from Spam Resource explains that domain spoofing, where phishers forge the 'From' address to appear as a legitimate sender, is a common technique. They address this by advocating for the implementation and enforcement of SPF, DKIM, and DMARC to authenticate emails and prevent spoofing.
What the documentation says4Technical articles
Documentation from Mailgun explains that phishing attacks often leverage compromised accounts or infrastructure. Mailgun addresses this by recommending multi-factor authentication (MFA), strong password policies, and continuous monitoring for unusual activity on user accounts. They also suggest implementing IP access management and limiting API access where possible.
Documentation from Microsoft details that its Anti-Phishing Policy, includes configuring spoof intelligence settings, and defining actions for messages identified as phishing. Admins can specify actions like quarantining or deleting suspicious emails. Additionally, the policy offers customization options to tailor the protection according to organizational needs, bolstering defenses against evolving phishing tactics.
Documentation from DMARC.org explains that domain spoofing is a major phishing technique, and DMARC is designed to combat it. DMARC allows domain owners to specify how email receivers should handle unauthenticated emails (e.g., reject, quarantine), preventing phishers from using their domain to send malicious messages.
Documentation from RFC 7489 explains that DMARC (Domain-based Message Authentication, Reporting & Conformance) allows email senders to protect their domain from unauthorized use, commonly known as email spoofing. It allows senders to indicate that their messages are protected by SPF and/or DKIM, and tells receivers what to do if authentication fails.