Saturday, February 23, 2008

Spoofing

The word "spoof" means to hoax, trick, or deceive. Therefore, in the IT world, spoofing refers tricking or deceiving computer systems or other computer users. This is typically done by hiding one's identity or faking the identity of another user on the Internet.

I believe that there should be freedom of speech and freedom of beliefs for everyone. Each individual should have right of having privacy. Everyone has the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion; this right includes freedom of belief, and freedom, either alone or in community with others and in public or private, to manifest his religion or belief in teaching, practice, worship and observance.

Spoofing can take place on the Internet in several different ways. One common method is through e-mail. E-mail spoofing involves sending messages from a bogus e-mail address or faking the e-mail address of another user. Fortunately, most e-mail servers have security features that prevent unauthorized users from sending messages. However, spammers often send spam messages from their own SMTP, which allows them to use fake e-mail addresses. Therefore, it is possible to receive e-mail from an address that is not the actual address of the person sending the message.

Spoofing can be done by anyone. Spammers earn money sending massive volumes of email. They can be competitors trying to cripple your business or disgruntled employees or irate customers out to "teach you a lesson." Attacks can be personally motivated or just random.

I think that there should be no spoofing because it can cause some criminal acts like hacking. If the government ensures privacy of each individual then there is no need of spoofing.

http://www.techterms.com/definition/spoofing