Cybersecurity
What is Clone Phishing?
12.07.23
8 min read
Clone phishing is an evolving and increasingly sophisticated form of cyber attack that involves the criminal cloning of a legitimate email or any other type of online communication sent by an organization. By replicating the original message, a scammer can attempt to mislead recipients into opening malicious links, downloading compromised files, or divulging confidential information. This deceptive practice has become more common in recent years as technological advances have enabled attackers to easily craft imitation emails with convincing accuracy and bypass standard spam filters.
Therefore understanding what clone phishing is and how it works is critical for anyone wishing to protect their business against cyber attacks. In this blog post, we will dive deeper into clone phishing including what it is exactly, common techniques used in attacks as well as preventative steps organizations can take to stay safe from these threats. So let's get started and learn about this growing type of fraud!
Clone Phishing Definition
A phishing attack is a type of cybercrime that uses deceptive techniques to trick users into revealing sensitive information, such as login credentials, credit card numbers, or other personal data. The attacker often masquerades as a trustworthy entity, utilizing mediums such as email, text messages, or phone calls to deceive their targets.
In the digital age, we all know how important it is to stay vigilant against phishing attacks. But have you heard of clone phishing? It's a particularly sneaky tactic used by cybercriminals to steal your personal information.
For example, they might change a single letter in a domain name or add a slightly different sender address. Once you click on a link or enter your login credentials, your information gets sent straight to the bad guys. It's a scary thought, but by staying aware and double-checking URLs and email addresses, you can protect yourself against this insidious form of phishing.
What is the Difference Between Clone Phishing and Spear Phishing?
Not all phishing attacks are created equal. Clone phishing and spear phishing are two variations of this nefarious practice, and both have distinctive characteristics that set them apart. Clone phishing involves creating a replica of a legitimate email that the recipient is likely to open, while spear phishing is a targeted attack that is carefully crafted to appear relevant and credible to a specific individual or group. Understanding the difference between these two types of phishing attacks can help individuals and organizations be more vigilant and better protect themselves against cybercrime.
What Does Clone Phishing Look Like?
Clone phishing often goes unnoticed by many people. It involves copying the layout of an authentic message, such as an email or a social media post, to create a malicious and deceptive version that looks similar but contains harmful links or attachments.
These false messages often appear to come from reputable sources, such as banks or other financial institutions. Sadly, the unsuspecting target may unknowingly open the malicious attachment or click on the harmful link, leading to stolen personal information or unauthorized transactions.
It is, therefore, essential to always be on the lookout for signs of clone phishing by carefully scrutinizing all emails, messages, and social media posts, and verifying their sources before responding or interacting with them.
What Are the Main Characteristics of Clone Phishing?
Some of the main characteristics of clone phishing include the use of familiar logos, graphics, and other design elements to make the cloned page appear as authentic as possible. Additionally, phishing emails often use personal information obtained through previous data breaches to add an element of credibility to the scam. Some of the most common characteristics of clone phishing are explored below in more detail.
Sent From a Phoney Email Address
This is where attackers obtain a legitimate email that has been previously sent by a trusted source. This could be anything from a business communication to a newsletter or an invoice.
The attackers then make a 'clone' of this email, replicating its content, format, and even sender details to create a near-identical copy. However, they modify certain elements such as the link or attachment in the email, replacing them with malicious versions. For example, a link that originally led to a legitimate website might be swapped for a link that leads to a fake website designed to steal login credentials.
The cloned, malicious email is then sent out to the recipients of the original message, who are likely to perceive it as an update or follow-up to the previous communication. Because the fraudulent email closely mimics the original, it can be difficult for recipients to identify it as a phishing attempt. If the recipients click on the malicious link or open the malicious attachment, they can unknowingly provide sensitive information to the attackers or install malware on their devices.
Email Attachment is Malicious
Malicious attachments are commonly used as a primary tool to deceive recipients and compromise their systems. The process begins with cybercriminals obtaining a legitimate email, as above. They then add a malicious attachment to the email.
The malicious attachment typically contains malware; such as viruses, ransomware, or spyware, that can infect the recipient's device once it's opened. This malware can serve various purposes, from stealing sensitive data like login credentials and financial information to granting the attacker remote control over the victim's system.
Because the email appears to come from a known source and closely mimics a previously received message, the recipients might open the attachment, thinking it’s safe. As a result, they inadvertently initiate the installation of the malware, falling victim to the clone phishing attack.
Updated Version Claims or Resending the Original Version
When using the 'Updated Version' claim, attackers duplicate a previously sent email and alter it slightly, stating that it's an updated version of the original. For instance, they might say a document attached to the email has been updated or a link in the email now leads to additional information. However, the attachment or link has been replaced with a malicious version. When the recipient opens the attachment or clicks on the link, they inadvertently install malware on their device or provide sensitive information to the attackers.
On the other hand, when 'Resending the Original Version', attackers resend a cloned version of a previously received email, claiming it's being resent for a particular reason. This could be due to a supposed issue with the original email, such as a broken link or a missing attachment. The recipient, thinking they missed out on important information, is more likely to open the 'resent' email and its malicious contents.
Both these methods exploit the recipient's familiarity with the original communication, making it easier for the phishing attempt to go unnoticed. Therefore, it's essential to scrutinize all emails, especially those claiming to be updates or resends, and to avoid opening attachments or clicking on links if anything seems suspicious.
How to Recognise a Clone Phishing Email
Fake emails often contain a sense of urgency like claiming that your account will be closed, your access revoked, or legal action taken if you don't respond immediately. Many phishing emails are riddled with grammar and spelling mistakes. While legitimate companies can occasionally make errors, multiple mistakes in an email could be a red flag.
Another thing to look out for is mismatched links. If you hover your mouse over a link in the email (without clicking it), you can see the actual URL. If it doesn't match the text of the link or the company it's supposedly from, it's likely a phishing attempt.
Phishing emails also often use generic greetings like "Dear Customer" or "Dear Sir/Madam" instead of a specific name. If the email is from a company you know but the sender's email address looks strange or doesn't match the company's usual domain, be suspicious.
Be cautious of unexpected email attachments, even from people you know. They could contain malware. Offers that seem too good to be true often are. Be skeptical of emails promising unexpected windfalls or incredible deals.
Remember, when in doubt, it's better to err on the side of caution. Don't click on links or open attachments from suspicious emails, and never provide personal information unless you're sure the request is legitimate. If you're unsure, contact the company directly using a phone number or website you know is genuine.
Some Examples of Clone Phishing
Some examples of clone phishing include fake bank websites, PayPal login pages, and even social media sites like Facebook. In all cases, the goal is the same: to get unsuspecting victims to reveal sensitive data such as passwords, credit card details, and other personal information.
let's look at some real-life examples of clone phishing:
Bank Email
You receive an email that appears to be from your bank, mirroring an earlier communication you received about updating your account information. The email looks identical to the legitimate one, with the same logo, format, and signature. However, the link provided directs you to a fake website where entering your login credentials gives them directly to the attackers.
Online Shopping Site
You get an email that looks like a previous order confirmation from a popular online shopping site. It claims there was an error with your last order and asks you to click on a link to confirm your details. The link leads to a counterfeit website designed to steal your login information and credit card details.
Airline Ticket Confirmation
You receive an email that seems to be from an airline with which you've recently booked a flight. The email looks identical to the original booking confirmation but states there's been a minor change to your flight details. When you click on the link to view these changes, you're directed to a fraudulent site designed to capture your login information.
Work Email
You receive an email that looks like it's from your boss or colleague, asking you to review a document attached to the email. The email closely resembles a typical correspondence from them. However, the attachment is a malicious file that installs malware on your device once opened.
Software Update
You get an email that appears to be from a software company whose product you use, stating that an updated version of the software is available. The email looks just like the regular update notifications you receive. However, the 'update' link actually downloads malware onto your device.
In each of these examples, the key distinguishing feature of clone phishing is the use of a nearly identical copy of a legitimate email to trick the recipient into thinking the communication is genuine.
How to Prevent Clone Phishing Attacks?
There are many ways to prevent clone phishing attacks and some of the most reliable ones are listed below. By taking these precautions, you can reduce the risk of becoming a victim of clone phishing attacks and keep your personal information safe.
Security Awareness Training
Security Awareness Training can be a lifesaver. By educating employees about how to detect clone phishing emails, they can be empowered to identify and report suspicious emails. This training can also help raise awareness about the importance of strong passwords, two-factor authentication, and phishing test simulations, which can minimize the risk of clone phishing attacks. With Security Awareness Training, organizations can take proactive steps towards securing their infrastructure, safeguarding against cyber criminals, and providing a safe online environment for their employees.
Ensure Link Authenticity
Always ensuring link authenticity is key for cybersecurity. By verifying that links are legitimate and not fraudulent, you can protect yourself from falling prey to these malicious attacks. Authenticating links reduces the risk of clone phishing success, as it eliminates the possibility of impostors using fake URLs to trick users.
Scan Attachments For Malicious Codes and Viruses
By thoroughly examining each attachment before it is opened, security software can block dangerous files and prevent cybercriminals from accessing sensitive information. As businesses and individuals continue to rely more on email for communication, it is increasingly important to take proactive measures like this to ensure the safety of our digital networks.
Check the Validity of the Sender's Address
One of the easiest ways to prevent clone attacks is by verifying the sender's address, which can easily be done through simple steps like hovering over the sender's name in the email or checking the email header information.
Use Spam Filters
Using spam filters is an easy and effective way to reduce the risk of falling victim to these attacks. Spam filters can quickly identify and filter out fraudulent emails that contain malicious links or attachments. By doing this, you significantly decrease the chances of being duped by a clone phishing email.
What Other Types of Phishing Are There?
When most people hear the word phishing, their minds immediately jump to email scams. However, there are many other types of phishing out there that pose an equal threat. They work in different ways and have some names you might not be familiar with.
Spear Phishing and Whaling
Two of the most prevalent types of phishing attacks are spear phishing and whaling. Spear phishing is a targeted attack, aimed at specific individuals or groups. The attacker will often research their target and craft a tailored message to trick them into giving up sensitive information. For example, an attacker may pose as a colleague and send an email containing a link to a fake login page designed to steal login credentials.
Whaling, on the other hand, is a targeted attack against senior executives or high-value targets within an organization. These attacks can involve significant effort and resources and may be carried out over a longer period of time. An example of a whaling attack might be an attacker posing as a CEO and requesting a wire transfer of funds from the CFO.
Angler Phishing
Angler phishing is a type of scam that targets victims by luring them with fake customer support or service requests. The attackers cast a wide net, hoping to trick unsuspecting victims into giving up their personal information or revealing sensitive data.
An example of angler phishing might involve an email that appears to be from a trusted company such as a bank or social media site. The email might ask the recipient to click on a link to confirm account details, but once the victim clicks, they are directed to a fake site that appears legitimate but is actually designed to steal their information. This type of scam is becoming increasingly common, and it's important to remain wary of any unsolicited messages that ask for personal information or login credentials.
Executive Phishing
This is a technique in which hackers pose as a high-ranking officials from an organization to acquire sensitive information such as login credentials or financial data. These attacks usually involve creating a sense of urgency or importance, prompting the recipient to act quickly and without question.
Barrel Phishing and Double-Barrel Spear Phishing
Barrel Phishing and its advanced form, Double-Barrel Spear Phishing are both tactics involving a hacker sending a personalized email to a specific target, but instead of the typical generic message, these emails are highly customized and use language and content specific to the target.
The goal of these attacks is to trick the recipient into providing sensitive information or clicking on a malicious link, leading to a data breach. Barrel Phishing and Double-Barrel Spear Phishing require a significant amount of research and intelligence gathering, making them highly targeted and difficult to detect.
Vishing and Smishing
Vishing, which is a combination of “Voice” and “Phishing,” involves scammers posing as legitimate representatives of a company or financial institution and convincing the victims to disclose sensitive information such as credit card details or passwords over the phone. Similarly, Smishing refers to phishing scams conducted via SMS or text message.
Both these techniques rely heavily on social engineering tactics and can prove to be dangerous if not identified in time. Therefore, it’s crucial to be vigilant and cautious while dealing with unsolicited calls or messages, and always verify the authenticity of the source before giving out any personal information.
How a Vulnerability Management System Can Help
Phishing attacks are a widespread cyber threat that can cost companies millions of dollars in damages. The first line of defense against these attacks is vulnerability management. Companies can go one step further by utilizing a vulnerability management system, which aids in identifying and fixing security loopholes before they can be exploited.
Nanitor offers an easy-to-use vulnerability management solution engineered to assist companies in discovering and resolving security vulnerabilities swiftly and efficiently. Through Nanitor's sophisticated scanning capabilities, you can uncover both current and future threats, while its risk evaluation instruments offer insight into areas that need attention.
Consider Nanitor as a resource capable of performing the tasks of a full team, which will free up valuable IT resources.
With Nanitor, companies can maintain constant protection of their systems against outside threats. If you're interested in seeing it in action, you can schedule a free vulnerability management assessment today!
Conclusion
Phishing attacks are becoming more and more sophisticated, and they can have devastating consequences if not identified in time. To protect yourself and your organization from these threats, it’s important to be aware of the different types of phishing scams out there and what you can do to prevent them. Therefore, always stay alert and take the necessary steps to protect yourself against phishing attacks!