What is Email Bombing?
Imagine waking up to hundreds of emails—confirmation notices for subscriptions, forums, or services you never signed up for. These aren't spam; they're legitimate emails designed to flood your inbox. If this happens, you're likely experiencing an email bombing attack, and it's crucial to understand why.
Also known as 'subscription bombing,' email bombing involves receiving a large volume of unsolicited emails from various websites and businesses, all addressed to your actual email address. This is achieved through automated scripts that submit your email to numerous online platforms, resulting in a deluge of confirmation messages.
Why Are You Being Email Bombed?
Email bombing can be motivated by several factors, each posing a different level of risk.
Prank: In some instances, email bombing is a prank, intended to annoy you by overwhelming your inbox.
Malicious Links: Email bombs can be a distraction, with malicious actors hoping you'll click on links within the emails, especially in the 'unsubscribe' sections, potentially compromising your computer.
Distraction: The most dangerous scenario involves using the email bomb as a smokescreen to hide fraudulent activities such as unauthorized credit card purchases or account changes. Scammers hope to bury important notifications, such as those about financial transactions, or security alerts in your inbox under a pile of unwanted messages.
What To Do If You're Under Attack
If you're hit by an email bombing campaign, take immediate steps to protect yourself. There's no way to entirely stop the influx, as your email address is already on numerous lists. Focus on damage control.
Mark as Spam & Unsubscribe: Mark the emails as spam and unsubscribe directly from the websites, not through links in the emails.
Change Passwords & Enable Security Features: Immediately change your passwords for all important accounts and enable multi-factor authentication (2FA) wherever possible to enhance security. Be vigilant and check all recent activity.
Monitor Your Accounts: Keep a close watch on your accounts for any signs of unauthorized activity, which the email bombing might be attempting to hide. Remember that the bomb is designed to distract you, so stay vigilant.
Wait It Out: The deluge will eventually subside. Stay focused and you'll minimize the damage.
“Email bombing is a digital smokescreen. Don’t let it distract you from the real threats.
Security Expert
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Key Takeaway Protecting Yourself
Email bombing is a serious threat to your digital security, designed to distract you from potentially damaging activity. By understanding the risks and implementing preventative measures, you can mitigate the impact and protect your personal information.