Authentication required images coming in mails

You're referring to the dreaded "Authentication Required" images that sometimes appear in emails!

These images are often used by spammers and phishers to verify that the email has been opened by a human, rather than a spam filter. They're usually small, transparent GIFs or PNGs that are embedded in the email body or attached to the email.

Here's what's happening:

  1. The spammer sends an email with a hidden image (usually a 1x1 pixel image) that's linked to a server controlled by the spammer.
  2. When you open the email, your email client (e.g., Gmail, Outlook) requests the image from the spammer's server.
  3. The spammer's server checks the IP address and other information about your device to verify that it's a human opening the email, rather than a spam filter.
  4. If the verification is successful, the spammer's server returns the image to your email client, which then displays it in the email.

To avoid these annoying images, you can try the following:

  1. Disable images in your email client: Most email clients allow you to disable images from loading automatically. You can usually find this setting in the email client's settings or preferences.
  2. Use a spam filter: Many email providers and third-party spam filters can help block these types of emails from reaching your inbox in the first place.
  3. Report suspicious emails: If you receive an email with an "Authentication Required" image, report it to your email provider or the relevant authorities as spam.
  4. Use a browser extension: Some browser extensions, like uBlock Origin or NoScript, can help block these types of images from loading.

Remember, it's always a good idea to be cautious when opening emails from unknown senders, and to verify the authenticity of the email before interacting with it.