Summary
Sendgrid and Mailgun face persistent phishing attacks that exploit domain spoofing, compromised accounts/API keys, and fake login pages. While they actively combat these issues, phishers constantly adapt. Mitigation strategies include implementing and enforcing SPF, DKIM, and DMARC, monitoring sender reputation and account activity, strong password policies, multi-factor authentication, API key rotation, IP whitelisting, reporting suspicious activity, educating users, and actively monitoring for brand abuse. A multi-layered approach, including technical solutions, user awareness, and proactive monitoring, is essential to mitigate phishing risks.
Key findings
- Persistent Threat: Phishing is a continuous challenge for Sendgrid and Mailgun users.
- Domain Spoofing: Phishers frequently spoof domains to send malicious emails.
- Account Compromise: Compromised accounts and API keys are common attack vectors.
- Fake Login Pages: Phishers use fake login pages to steal credentials.
- Brand Reputation at Risk: Phishing attacks can severely damage a brand's reputation.
- Responsiveness Required: Sendgrid and Mailgun are responsive in addressing issues
Key considerations
- Authentication: Implement and rigorously enforce SPF, DKIM, and DMARC.
- Monitoring: Continuously monitor sender reputation and account activity for suspicious behavior.
- Account Security: Enforce strong password policies, multi-factor authentication, and regularly rotate API keys.
- Access Control: Implement IP whitelisting and limit API access to authorized users.
- Incident Response: Establish clear procedures for reporting and responding to phishing incidents.
- User Education: Educate users to identify phishing emails and verify URLs before entering credentials.
- Brand Monitoring: Actively monitor for phishing attempts targeting your brand and communicate threats to customers.
- Collaboration: Collaborate with ISPs and email providers to shut down phishing sites and disrupt attacks.
- Adaptation: Recognize the need to continuously adapt security measures as phishers evolve their tactics.
What email marketers say
5 marketer opinions
Phishing attacks targeting Sendgrid and Mailgun exploit domain spoofing, compromised accounts/API keys, and fake login pages. Mitigation strategies include SPF, DKIM, DMARC implementation, monitoring sender reputation, strong password policies, multi-factor authentication, API key rotation, IP whitelisting, and reporting suspicious activity.
Key opinions
- Domain Spoofing: Phishers forge 'From' addresses, mitigated by SPF, DKIM, and DMARC.
- Trial Exploitation: Phishers exploit free SendGrid trials; report suspicious activity.
- Fake Login Pages: Phishers use fake login pages; verify URLs and use 2FA.
- Compromised API Keys: Compromised API keys enable phishing; rotate keys and whitelist IPs.
- Email as Attack Vector: Email is a common attack vector; DMARC and email security protocols are important.
Key considerations
- Authentication: Implement SPF, DKIM, and DMARC to authenticate sending sources.
- Monitoring: Monitor sender reputation and account activity for suspicious behavior.
- Account Security: Enforce strong password policies and multi-factor authentication.
- API Key Management: Regularly rotate API keys and implement IP whitelisting.
- Reporting: Report suspicious activity promptly to SendGrid/Mailgun support.
- User Education: Educate users to verify URLs and enable 2FA.
Marketer view
Email marketer from StackExchange answers that compromised API keys can lead to phishing attacks through Sendgrid. They suggest regularly rotating API keys, implementing IP whitelisting, and monitoring API usage for anomalies.
29 May 2022 - StackExchange
Marketer view
Email marketer from Reddit shared that a common issue is phishers exploiting free SendGrid trials to send malicious emails. They recommend reporting suspicious activity immediately to SendGrid support and monitoring email headers for unusual sending patterns.
10 Jul 2022 - Reddit
What the experts say
6 expert opinions
Sendgrid and Mailgun face ongoing phishing challenges, including domain spoofing and compromised accounts. While they actively combat these issues, phishers constantly adapt. Key mitigation strategies involve strong password policies, multi-factor authentication, monitoring account activity, implementing SPF, DKIM, and DMARC, actively monitoring for phishing attempts, and communicating with customers about potential threats.
Key opinions
- Persistent Phishing: Sendgrid and Mailgun experience persistent phishing problems despite their efforts.
- Abuse Reporting: abuse@sendgrid and abuse@mailgun are monitored for reporting abuse.
- Compromised Accounts: Phishers gain access through compromised credentials.
- Domain Spoofing: Phishers use domain spoofing to impersonate legitimate senders.
- Reputation Damage: Phishing attacks can severely damage brand reputation.
Key considerations
- Password Policies: Implement strong password policies and multi-factor authentication.
- Account Monitoring: Monitor account activity for suspicious behavior.
- Authentication Protocols: Implement SPF, DKIM, and DMARC to authenticate emails.
- Active Monitoring: Actively monitor for phishing attempts targeting your brand.
- Customer Communication: Communicate with customers about potential phishing threats.
- ISP collaboration: Work with ISPs and email providers to shut down phishing sites.
Expert view
Expert from Word to the Wise explains that phishing attacks can severely damage brand reputation if customers believe they are receiving legitimate emails from a company. They address this by recommending active monitoring for phishing attempts, prompt communication with customers about potential threats, and working with ISPs and email providers to shut down phishing sites.
15 May 2025 - Word to the Wise
Expert view
Expert from Spam Resource explains that one common issue is phishers gaining access to legitimate Sendgrid or Mailgun accounts through compromised credentials. They address this by recommending strong password policies, multi-factor authentication, and monitoring account activity for suspicious behavior.
7 Feb 2025 - Spam Resource
What the documentation says
4 technical articles
Phishing attacks often exploit compromised accounts/infrastructure and domain spoofing. Mailgun recommends MFA, strong passwords, continuous monitoring, IP access management, and limiting API access. DMARC combats domain spoofing by allowing domain owners to specify how receivers should handle unauthenticated emails. Microsoft's Anti-Phishing Policy includes spoof intelligence settings and actions like quarantining or deleting phishing emails.
Key findings
- Compromised Accounts: Phishing leverages compromised accounts and infrastructure.
- Domain Spoofing: Domain spoofing is a major phishing technique.
- DMARC Protection: DMARC protects against unauthorized domain use and email spoofing.
- Customizable Policies: Anti-phishing policies offer customization for organizational needs.
Key considerations
- MFA & Passwords: Implement multi-factor authentication and strong password policies.
- Account Monitoring: Continuously monitor user accounts for unusual activity.
- Access Management: Implement IP access management and limit API access.
- DMARC Implementation: Implement DMARC to specify handling of unauthenticated emails.
- Spoof Intelligence: Configure spoof intelligence settings in anti-phishing policies.
- Adaptive Policies: Customize anti-phishing policies to address evolving threats.
Technical article
Documentation from Mailgun explains that phishing attacks often leverage compromised accounts or infrastructure. Mailgun addresses this by recommending multi-factor authentication (MFA), strong password policies, and continuous monitoring for unusual activity on user accounts. They also suggest implementing IP access management and limiting API access where possible.
26 Sep 2021 - Mailgun Documentation
Technical article
Documentation from Microsoft details that its Anti-Phishing Policy, includes configuring spoof intelligence settings, and defining actions for messages identified as phishing. Admins can specify actions like quarantining or deleting suspicious emails. Additionally, the policy offers customization options to tailor the protection according to organizational needs, bolstering defenses against evolving phishing tactics.
15 Jun 2023 - Microsoft
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