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ExchangeDefender Blog

General

In today’s increasingly remote work environment, teams often face challenges when sharing large files securely and efficiently. Traditional methods like email attachments or outdated file servers can be cumbersome and pose security risks. ExchangeDefender’s Web File Server (WFS) offers a solution tailored to these needs, facilitating seamless and secure collaboration across different locations.​

Challenges in Remote File Sharing

Remote teams frequently encounter issues such as:​

  • File Size Limitations: Email systems often restrict attachment sizes, making it difficult to share large documents.​

  • Security Concerns: Transferring sensitive information without robust security measures can lead to data breaches.​

  • Lack of Real-Time Collaboration: Without centralized platforms, coordinating on document edits and updates becomes challenging.

How ExchangeDefender WFS Addresses These Challenges

ExchangeDefender WFS is designed to overcome these obstacles by providing:​

  • Unlimited File Sharing and Storage: Users can upload and share files of any size without worrying about storage limits, ensuring that large documents like contracts or design files are easily accessible.​

  • Enhanced Security Features: With 128-bit SSL encryption, password protection, and auto-destruction capabilities, WFS ensures that sensitive data remains secure during transit and storage.​

  • User-Friendly Interface: The platform’s intuitive dashboard allows users to create document libraries, manage recipients, and track activity without requiring extensive training or IT support.

  • Real-Time Collaboration: Teams can work simultaneously on documents, with features like version control and activity logs keeping everyone informed of changes.

Real-World Application

A local real estate company, Orange Avenue Homes, utilizes ExchangeDefender WFS to share contracts between remote team members and clients. The platform’s ease of use and robust security features have streamlined their document management processes, enhancing overall productivity.​

For remote teams seeking a reliable and secure method to share large files, ExchangeDefender Web File Server offers a comprehensive solution. Its combination of unlimited storage, advanced security, and collaborative tools makes it an invaluable asset in today’s digital workspace.​

Explore more about ExchangeDefender Web File Server and how it can benefit your remote team at ExchangeDefender Web File Server.

General PRO TIPS

Phishing emails are deceptive messages designed to trick you into revealing personal information or installing malicious software. Reporting these emails helps protect your account and assists in improving Microsoft’s security measures. Here’s how you can report phishing emails in Outlook:​

For Outlook on the Web (Outlook.com):

  1. Sign In: Log into your Outlook.com account.​
  2. Select the Email: In your inbox, click the checkbox next to the phishing email you wish to report.​
  3. Report as Phishing:
    • At the top of the message list, click on the “Report” button.​
    • From the dropdown menu, select “Phishing”.
  4. Confirmation: The email will be moved to your Junk Email folder, and Microsoft will be notified to enhance their spam filters.​

For Outlook Desktop Application (Windows):

  1. Open Outlook: Launch the Outlook application on your computer.​
  2. Select the Email: In your inbox, click to highlight the phishing email.​
  3. Access the Report Feature:
    • Navigate to the “Home” tab in the ribbon at the top.​
    • Click on the “Report” button. If you don’t see this option, you may need to add the “Report Phishing” add-in:​
      • Click “Get Add-ins” in the ribbon.
      • Search for “Report Phishing” and click “Add.”
  4. Report as Phishing:
    • After adding the add-in, select the phishing email again.​
    • Click “Report” in the ribbon, then choose “Phishing.”​
  5. Confirmation: The email will be moved to your Junk Email folder, and Microsoft will receive a report to improve their spam filters.​

For Outlook Mobile App (iOS and Android):

  1. Open the App: Launch the Outlook app on your mobile device.​
  2. Select the Email: Tap on the phishing email to open it.​
  3. Access More Options:
    • Tap the three-dot menu (⋮) at the top right corner of the email.​Microsoft Support
  4. Report as Junk:
  5. Confirmation: The email will be moved to your Junk folder, and Microsoft will be notified to enhance their spam filters.​

Source: Microsoft Support

General Phishing

Email Spoofing is a deceptive tactic where attackers forge email headers to make messages appear as if they originate from trusted sources. This technique is commonly used in phishing attacks to deceive recipients into revealing sensitive information or downloading malicious software. Understanding how to analyze email headers can help you identify and protect against such fraudulent activities.​

What Are Email Headers?

Email headers are essential components of an email message that contain vital information about its origin, route, and authenticity. They include fields such as ‘From’, ‘To’, ‘Subject’, ‘Date’, and several others that provide a trail of the email’s journey from sender to recipient. While some of these fields are visible in your email client, many are hidden and can be viewed by accessing the email’s source or original message.

How to Access Email Headers:

  • Outlook: Open the email, click on “File,” then “Properties,” and view the “Internet headers” box.​

  • Gmail: Open the email, click on the three vertical dots next to the reply arrow, and select “Show original.”

  • Yahoo Mail: Open the email, click on the three horizontal dots, and select “View raw message.”​


Delivered-To: user@example.com
Received: by 2002:a17:902:5307:0:0:0:0 with SMTP id v7csp1452976ejw;
Wed, 03 Apr 2024 12:34:56 -0700 (PDT)
X-Received: by 2002:a1c:4b09:: with SMTP id g9mr1234567wma.67.1712172896123;
Wed, 03 Apr 2024 12:34:56 -0700 (PDT)
Return-Path: sender@domain.com
Received: from mail.domain.com (mail.domain.com. [123.45.67.89])
by mx.google.com with ESMTPS id b7si1234567qke.287.2024.04.03.12.34.56
for user@example.com
(version=TLS1_3 cipher=TLS_AES_256_GCM_SHA384 bits=256/256);
Wed, 03 Apr 2024 12:34:56 -0700 (PDT)
Received-SPF: pass (google.com: domain of sender@domain.com designates 123.45.67.89 as permitted sender) client-ip=123.45.67.89;
Authentication-Results: mx.google.com;
dkim=pass header.i=@domain.com header.s=selector1 header.b=abcd1234;
spf=pass (google.com: domain of sender@domain.com designates 123.45.67.89 as permitted sender) smtp.mailfrom=sender@domain.com;
dmarc=pass (p=REJECT sp=REJECT dis=NONE) header.from=domain.com
DKIM-Signature: v=1; a=rsa-sha256; c=relaxed/relaxed;
d=domain.com; s=selector1; t=1712172896;
bh=VYgWqzXb1q83L9efk9EtqvL7W0U=;
h=Date:From:To:Subject:Message-ID;
b=abcd1234efgh5678ijkl9012mnop3456qrstuvwx…
Date: Wed, 3 Apr 2024 12:34:56 -0700
From: Sender Name sender@domain.com
To: Recipient Name user@example.com
Message-ID: CAJ1234567890abcdefg@mail.domain.com
Subject: Important Update on Your Subscription
MIME-Version: 1.0
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=”UTF-8″
Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit

Key Email Header Fields to Examine:

  1. From: Indicates the sender’s email address. However, this field can be easily forged and should not be solely relied upon to verify the sender’s identity.​

  2. Reply-To: Specifies the email address to which replies should be sent. Discrepancies between the ‘From’ and ‘Reply-To’ addresses can be a red flag for spoofing.​

  3. Received: Shows the servers that handled the email during its transmission. By examining the sequence of ‘Received’ fields, you can trace the path the email took and identify anomalies.​

  4. Return-Path: Indicates where non-delivery receipts (bounces) are sent. A mismatch between the ‘Return-Path’ and ‘From’ addresses may suggest spoofing.

  5. Received-SPF: Displays the result of the Sender Policy Framework (SPF) check, which verifies if the email comes from an authorized server. A ‘Fail’ or ‘Softfail’ status can indicate potential spoofing.

Detecting Spoofed Emails:

  1. Examine the ‘Received’ Fields: Trace the email’s path by reviewing the ‘Received’ fields. Inconsistencies or unfamiliar server names can be indicators of spoofing.​

  2. Check SPF, DKIM, and DMARC Results: These authentication mechanisms help verify the legitimacy of the email. Failures or absence of these checks can be warning signs.​

  3. Analyze the ‘Return-Path’ and ‘Reply-To’ Fields: Ensure these fields match the ‘From’ address and are consistent with the sender’s domain.​

  4. Use Email Header Analysis Tools: Online tools like MxToolbox’s Email Header Analyzer can simplify the process by parsing headers and highlighting issues.

By understanding and analyzing email headers, you can better detect and prevent email spoofing attempts, thereby safeguarding your personal and organizational security.​ Need extra security? Try ExchangeDefender PRO for free!

General

The recent Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) settlement has led to a wave of emails notifying individuals about potential compensation. While many of these messages are legitimate, cybercriminals are using this as an opportunity to launch phishing scams. Here’s what you need to know to protect yourself.

What Is the BCBS Settlement?

BCBS agreed to a $2.67 billion settlement in an antitrust lawsuit alleging the company engaged in anti-competitive practices. Individuals or entities that had BCBS health insurance or administrative services between February 2008 and October 2020 may be eligible for compensation.

The official settlement administrator has been sending notifications via email and mail. Legitimate emails come from Notice@BCBSsettlement.com, and the official website is www.BCBSsettlement.com.

Image of a real email from Blue Cross Blue Shield Settlement

How Scammers Are Exploiting the Settlement

Cybercriminals are taking advantage of this widespread settlement by sending fraudulent emails that:

  • Contain suspicious links, such as those prompting users to “request an electronic debit card”
  • Use convincing BCBS logos and branding to appear legitimate
  • Request personal or financial information

Users on forums like Reddit have reported phishing attempts disguised as official settlement notifications. Clicking on these fake links can lead to identity theft, malware infections, or financial fraud.

How to Protect Yourself

  1. Verify the Sender – Legitimate emails will come from Notice@BCBSsettlement.com.

  2. Avoid Clicking Links – Instead of clicking email links, visit the official website directly by typing www.BCBSsettlement.com in your browser.

  3. Contact the Official Source – If you’re unsure, reach out to the settlement administrator via info@BCBSsettlement.com or call (888) 681-1142.

  4. Use Email Security Solutions – A robust security tool like ExchangeDefender PRO can help filter out phishing emails before they reach your inbox.

Stay One Step Ahead with ExchangeDefender

With the rise of sophisticated phishing attacks, businesses need reliable email security solutions to prevent scams like these. ExchangeDefender PRO offers advanced phishing detection, real-time email filtering, and security awareness training to keep your organization safe from evolving cyber threats.

Protect your inbox today—ask us for a demo of ExchangeDefender PRO!

General

The eBay phishing scam is a common cyberattack where scammers impersonate eBay to steal user credentials, financial details, or personal information. These scams often take the form of fake emails, text messages, or websites designed to trick users into providing sensitive information.

In eBay phishing scams, attackers send counterfeit emails or messages that appear to originate from eBay. These communications often contain urgent prompts, such as warnings about account issues or unauthorized transactions, compelling recipients to click on malicious links. These links lead to fake websites resembling eBay’s login page, where users are tricked into entering their credentials. Once obtained, cybercriminals can exploit this information for fraudulent activities, including unauthorized purchases or identity theft.

Red Flags to Watch Out For:

🚨 Generic Greetings – Legitimate eBay emails usually address you by name. Look for fake logos!
🚨 Suspicious Links – Hover over links before clicking—real eBay links should start with “ebay.com.”
🚨 Poor Grammar & Spelling – Many phishing emails have obvious errors. Look for fake phone numbers!
🚨 Requests for Personal Info – eBay never asks for passwords, payment info, or security details via email.

How to Protect Yourself:

✅ Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) for extra security.
✅ Go Directly to eBay – Instead of clicking links, log in at eBay.com.
✅ Report Suspicious Emails to eBay at spoof@ebay.com.
✅ Use Strong, Unique Passwords – Avoid reusing your eBay password on other sites.

Mitigating Phishing Risks with ExchangeDefender PRO

To safeguard against such evolving threats, businesses require robust cybersecurity solutions. ExchangeDefender PRO offers comprehensive email security designed to protect organizations from advanced email-borne attacks. Key features include:

Anti-Phishing Protection: Identifies and blocks phishing attempts, preventing unauthorized access to sensitive information.

Anti-Spam and Malware Defense: Filters out spam and detects malicious attachments, reducing the risk of malware infections.

Ransomware Protection: Guards against ransomware attacks that can encrypt critical business data.

Domain Fraud Prevention: Prevents spoofing and unauthorized use of your domain, protecting your brand’s integrity.

On-Demand Encryption: Ensures sensitive communications are securely encrypted, maintaining confidentiality.


Adding ExchangeDefender PRO to your cybersecurity setup can help protect your organization from phishing scams and other email threats. It’s a smart way to stay safe online and keep your business and relationships secure.

General Industry News

In recent years, scammers have increasingly impersonated Geek Squad, Best Buy’s tech support service, to deceive individuals into divulging personal information or making unnecessary payments. Understanding how these scams operate and how to recognize them is crucial for safeguarding your personal data and finances.

Understanding the Geek Squad Email Scam

The Geek Squad email scam is a phishing attempt where fraudsters pose as Geek Squad representatives to steal personal information or trick victims into paying for fake services. These emails often appear legitimate, making it challenging to distinguish them from authentic communications.

Common Types of Geek Squad Email Scams

  1. Auto-Renewal Scam: Scammers send emails stating that your Geek Squad subscription is about to auto-renew at a substantial cost. The email urges you to call a provided number or click a link to cancel the subscription, aiming to extract personal and financial details.

  2. Fake Antivirus Software Offer: You might receive emails warning of malware infections among Geek Squad customers, offering free antivirus software downloads. However, these downloads are malicious and designed to infect your device, steal data, or gain remote access.

  3. Password Reset Scam: Emails claim suspicious activity on your Best Buy account, prompting you to reset your password via a provided link. The link leads to a fake website designed to capture your login credentials, allowing scammers unauthorized access to your account.

Recognizing Scam Emails

Be vigilant for the following signs:

  • Sense of Urgency: Scammers often pressure you to act quickly, creating a false sense of urgency.

  • Suspicious Sender Addresses: Examine the sender’s email address for inconsistencies or misspellings. Official communications will come from a legitimate Best Buy domain.

  • Generic Greetings: Emails that don’t address you by name, such as “Dear Customer,” may be fraudulent.

  • Poor Grammar and Spelling: Legitimate companies maintain professional communication standards.

  • Unsolicited Attachments or Links: Avoid clicking on links or downloading attachments from unknown senders.

Protective Measures

  • Verify Communications: If you receive a suspicious email, contact Geek Squad or Best Buy directly using official contact information from their website.

  • Avoid Unsolicited Links and Downloads: Refrain from clicking on links or downloading attachments from unknown sources.

  • Use Security Software: Ensure your devices are equipped with reputable antivirus and anti-malware programs.

  • Stay Informed: Educate yourself about common phishing tactics to recognize and avoid potential scams.

Reporting Scams: If you encounter a Geek Squad scam, report it to Best Buy. Additionally, file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) through their Complaint Assistant.

General Industry News

In recent months, a sophisticated email scam targeting Netflix users has emerged, aiming to steal personal and financial information. These phishing emails closely mimic legitimate Netflix communications, making them particularly deceptive. If you don’t have ExchangeDefender PRO Phishing protection, then here’s what you need to know:

How the Scam Operates

Victims receive emails claiming issues with their Netflix account, such as payment problems or account suspensions. The email urges recipients to update their payment details via a provided link, which leads to a fake Netflix login page. Entering information on this page allows scammers to harvest login credentials and credit card details.

Identifying the Scam

  • Sender’s Email Address: Scam emails may originate from unofficial domains, such as an iCloud domain, rather than Netflix’s official domain.

  • Urgent Language: The message may claim your account is on hold and prompt immediate action to update payment information.

  • Suspicious Links: Hovering over links may reveal URLs that don’t direct to Netflix’s official website.

Protective Measures

  • Avoid Clicking Links: Do not click on links or open attachments from unsolicited emails.

  • Verify Authenticity: Log in directly through the official Netflix website to check your account status.

  • Report Suspicious Emails: Forward any dubious emails to phishing@netflix.com.

  • Monitor Financial Statements: Regularly check your bank and credit card statements for unauthorized transactions.


Netflix’s Official Stance

Netflix states it will never ask for personal information, such as credit card numbers or passwords, via email or text messages. By staying vigilant and recognizing the signs of phishing attempts, you can protect your personal and financial information from these scams.

General

Sending money through apps like Zelle is super convenient. But with that convenience comes the risk of scams. Let’s break down what these scams look like and how you can keep your hard-earned cash safe.

What’s a Zelle Scam?

Scammers have gotten crafty. They might send you a message or give you a call pretending to be from your bank or even Zelle itself. They’ll claim there’s an issue with your account or a suspicious transaction and urge you to act quickly. Their goal? To trick you into giving up personal information or sending them money.

Common Tricks Scammers Use:

  • Fake Problems: They’ll say there’s unauthorized activity or that your account will be locked.

  • Phony Links: They’ll send links that look official but lead to fake websites designed to steal your info.

  • Too-Good-To-Be-True Offers: They might offer amazing deals or opportunities that require immediate payment.


How to Protect Yourself:

  • Pause and Think: Don’t rush. Scammers rely on panic.

  • Verify Before Acting: If you get a suspicious message, contact your bank
    or Zelle directly using official channels.

  • Avoid Unsolicited Links: Don’t click on unexpected links or download attachments
    from unknown senders.


ExchangeDefender PRO: Your Email Safety Net

One of the ways scammers reach out is through phishing emails. To shield yourself from these threats, consider using email security services like ExchangeDefender PRO. It offers top-notch protection against phishing attempts, spam, and other email-based threats. With features like advanced threat detection and real-time monitoring, it acts as a robust defense for your digital communications.

General

Lately, scammers have been targeting drivers with deceptive messages about unpaid tolls, a tactic known as “smishing.” These fraudulent texts often claim you owe money for tolls and urge immediate payment to avoid penalties. They typically include a link that, when clicked, leads to a phishing site designed to steal your personal and financial information.

How the Scam Works:

  • Deceptive Messages: You receive an unsolicited text stating you have unpaid tolls, sometimes specifying an amount owed and threatening late fees.

  • Phishing Links: The message includes a link directing you to a fake website resembling an official toll agency’s site, prompting you to enter sensitive information.

Recent Incidents:

Texas: The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) warned about fraudulent texts targeting toll users, emphasizing that legitimate communications do not come via text messages.

Bay Area, California: A surge in FasTrak scams has been reported, with fake texts demanding toll payments and threatening penalties. Authorities advise against clicking on suspicious links, as FasTrak does not communicate via text message.

Protective Measures:

  • Avoid Clicking Links: Do not click on links in unsolicited texts.

  • Verify with Official Sources: Contact the tolling agency directly using known contact information to confirm any claims.

  • Report Suspicious Messages: Use your phone’s “report junk” option or forward the message to 7726 (SPAM).

  • Monitor Accounts: Regularly check your toll accounts for unauthorized charges.
General

Cybercriminals are getting craftier, and one of their favorite new tricks is impersonating trusted services like DocuSign. If you’ve recently received an email urging you to sign a document or verify your account, think twice before clicking! The latest wave of DocuSign email scams is designed to steal your personal information and compromise your security.

How the DocuSign Email Scam Works

Scammers send fake emails that appear to be from DocuSign, using official-looking branding and urgent messaging. Here’s how the scam typically unfolds:

  1. Fake Email Notification – You receive an email that looks like it’s from DocuSign, requesting you to review or sign a document.

  2. Urgency & Pressure – The email often claims the document requires your immediate attention, creating a sense of urgency.

  3. Malicious Links – Clicking the link redirects you to a fraudulent website that mimics DocuSign’s login page.

  4. Credential Theft – If you enter your login details, scammers steal them to access your DocuSign or other linked accounts.

  5. Malware Installation – Some scams include attachments or links that, when clicked, install malware on your device.

Red Flags to Watch For

These scams can be convincing, but there are a few telltale signs that can help you identify them:

✔ Suspicious Sender Address – Official DocuSign emails come from @docusign.com or @docusign.net, not random or misspelled domains.


✔ Unusual Language or Errors – Many phishing emails contain typos, grammatical mistakes, or odd phrasing. Look for fake logos as well!


✔ Unexpected Requests – If you weren’t expecting a document, verify with the sender before opening anything.


✔ Fake Links – Hover over any links in the email (without clicking) to see the actual URL. If it’s not docusign.com, don’t trust it.


✔ Generic Greetings – Scammers often use “Dear Customer” instead of your actual name.

How to Stay Safe

Protect yourself and your business from falling victim to these scams by following these best practices:

🔹 Verify Directly – Instead of clicking email links, go to www.docusign.com and log in to check if a document is waiting.

🔹 Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) – Adding an extra layer of security can prevent unauthorized access to your account.

🔹 Report Suspicious Emails – If you receive a fraudulent DocuSign email, forward it to spam@docusign.com and then delete it.

🔹 Keep Security Software Updated – Use up-to-date antivirus and security software to detect and block phishing attempts.

🔹 Educate Your Team – Ensure employees know how to recognize and avoid phishing emails.