How do I prevent someone impersonating my email address, ie spoofing?
In the last week I have received two spam emails addressed from me (my email address) to me (the same email address) that were caught in the spam filter of my local ISP where I hold that email account. I contacted my ISP and they said that my email account had not been hacked and it looked to them that someone was merely impersonating my email address to send me these emails. They called this phenomenon "Spoofing". I asked them if there was anything they could do to prevent this and they said no. They advised that I contact you, Thunderbird, for ideas as to how to prevent this situation where someone is impersonating my email address. I have checked with a few people to whom I email often and they have not received these same "spoofed" emails. My concern is obvious: I do not want someone more malicious from using my email address to send whatever they want to whoever they want. How do I stop this? Thank you.
Chosen solution
Unfortunately you cannot control what some nefarious person chooses to type on their keyboard or what they send out as emails including abusing your email address. Spoofing info:
What you can do is take reasonable precautions to prevent people getting hold of your email address in the first place, but this is not so easy as other people may have your email address as a contact. Do not post your email address on any public webpage/website. Do not respond to Junk mail. Do not allow remote content. Don't click on any links that are dubious. Please read: http://kb.mozillazine.org/Privacy_basics_(Thunderbird)
As emails could be sent to anyone, I would suggest you create and use a signature in any emails you send.
You can inform your contacts that someone has recently been abusing your email address and they can tell when an email is truely from you as it will include your signature.
Periodically run scans using Anti-virus and malware detection products to ensure nothing has got access to your computer.
After a while they get bored especially if they get no responses.
If you are concerned if someone has got access to your computer. Start computer in 'Safe mode with networking' mode. then run Anti-Virus and Malware scans.
If keylogging etc malware is detected. When all clear, update your passwords.
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No idea why your provider sent you here. Thunderbird is software running on your computer. It is your job to protect your personal info. Suggested reading. http://lifehacker.com/how-spammers-spoof-your-email-address-and-how-to-prote-1579478914
Chosen Solution
Unfortunately you cannot control what some nefarious person chooses to type on their keyboard or what they send out as emails including abusing your email address. Spoofing info:
What you can do is take reasonable precautions to prevent people getting hold of your email address in the first place, but this is not so easy as other people may have your email address as a contact. Do not post your email address on any public webpage/website. Do not respond to Junk mail. Do not allow remote content. Don't click on any links that are dubious. Please read: http://kb.mozillazine.org/Privacy_basics_(Thunderbird)
As emails could be sent to anyone, I would suggest you create and use a signature in any emails you send.
You can inform your contacts that someone has recently been abusing your email address and they can tell when an email is truely from you as it will include your signature.
Periodically run scans using Anti-virus and malware detection products to ensure nothing has got access to your computer.
After a while they get bored especially if they get no responses.
If you are concerned if someone has got access to your computer. Start computer in 'Safe mode with networking' mode. then run Anti-Virus and Malware scans.
If keylogging etc malware is detected. When all clear, update your passwords.
Modified by Toad-Hall