And Why It Threatens Everything You Do Online!
The number one reason why businesses are online is… to grow their business. And in today’s world of social networks and instant access, a big part of that is through building a good name for yourself.
We’re talking about your online reputation. And for your business to flourish, it MUST be grounded on building trust.
So what is spoofing?
And more importantly, how is this issue critically dangerous for your online presence?
Spoofing is the process where someone with malicious intent disguises their emails, messages or websites to make them look as if they are your email or website. In other words, malicious content is distributed as if it is coming from you.
With my extensive professional background working on business computer networks, corporate websites and Email servers I have seen this many times. It is, unfortunately, all too common.
You are probably familiar with the words “SPAM” or “SPAMMING,” and perhaps the more obscure term called “Phishing” [pronounced “fish-ing”]. What you may not know is that some unscrupulous people (and businesses) may be using other email names that are directly associated with your website’s dot.com name in their malicious emails.
The problem, as you can well imagine, is when the recipient believes that these intrusive messages (i.e. garbage or “crap”) is coming from you!
What’s in a Web Hosting Company
Well, everything. Did you know that it is possible that the person sending these emails might have a web hosting account with the same web hosting company as you.
It happens. More than you can imagine.
Now, there is only one way to fix this kind of problem. And that is by working with your web hosting company that the bogus emails are being sent from. Here’s what you need to do, and say:
- Contact your hosting provider.
- Request that ‘spoofing filters” on your account get setup or upgraded.
- Mention to them the problem your having.
If your web hosting company claims that they cannot help you, contact us for the next steps to take. Many times certain “fly by night” or “inexpensive” hosting companies act as if there is nothing they can do.
This is just plain bull… You know what I mean.
For legal reasons (our attorney warned us against making too strong claims here), we can’t publish what to say if they try to stonewall you. But if your hosting company resists your attempts to protect your account, send us an email and we’ll continue the conversation “offline.”
Now, in some instances they may tell you to set those filters up yourself. If that happens, then all I can tell you is that you should try your best to follow their directions. Wait a few days and see if that helps your situation at all.
If your web hosting company continues to resist your efforts to protect your good name, then the final step is to choose another hosting company. If that describes your situation, here’s what you’ll need to ask them:
- Do they have spoofing filters in place
- Does you account have access to these filters
- Are you able to adjust the settings of these filters on the “back end.
- What is their procedure to protect your account if you become a victim of spoofing.
Any company worth dealing with can answer these questions. If they try to dismiss your concerns… well, to me that’s a red flag.
Look, the bottom line is this: it’s your business and reputation at stake here. Whether you’ve been victimized or not, this is an important issue that you need to safeguard.
Next Steps…
Any questions? Comments? Did we hit a nerve?
Drop us a line by leaving a comment. We will reply (here, and by email if you’d like) as soon as we’re able. And if there’s a topic you want us to discuss, let us know.
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