Mail header check
A mail header check is a process used to verify the authenticity and integrity of an email message by examining the headers of the message. Here are some common checks performed during a mail header check:
- Sender Verification: Check if the sender's email address is valid and matches the sender's name.
- Domain Verification: Verify that the domain name in the sender's email address exists and is valid.
- IP Address Verification: Check the IP address of the sender's mail server to ensure it is a legitimate IP address.
- SPF (Sender Policy Framework) Check: Check if the sender's domain has a valid SPF record, which helps prevent spam by verifying the IP addresses that are authorized to send emails on behalf of the domain.
- DKIM (DomainKeys Identified Mail) Check: Check if the sender's domain has a valid DKIM record, which helps prevent email spoofing by verifying the digital signature of the email message.
- DMARC (Domain-based Message Authentication, Reporting, and Conformance) Check: Check if the sender's domain has a valid DMARC record, which helps prevent email spoofing and phishing by verifying the authenticity of the email message.
- Header Analysis: Analyze the email headers to detect any suspicious or malicious activity, such as:
- Multiple hops (i.e., the email has been forwarded multiple times)
- Unusual or suspicious sender or recipient addresses
- Unusual or suspicious subject lines or body content
- Blacklist Check: Check if the sender's IP address or domain is listed on any blacklists, such as Spamhaus or SORBS.
- Whitelist Check: Check if the sender's IP address or domain is listed on any whitelists, such as SenderBase or Barracuda.
- Content Analysis: Analyze the email content to detect any malicious or suspicious activity, such as:
- Phishing or spam keywords
- Malware or virus attachments
- Suspicious URLs or links
By performing these checks, a mail header check can help detect and prevent email spoofing, phishing, spam, and other types of email fraud.