Definition
Email harvesting is the process of collecting large quantities of email addresses from various sources without authorization. Hackers use automated bots to scan websites, forums, social media, and other online platforms where emails are publicly available.
Email Harvesting Applications
- Phishing attacks: Hackers can use the harvested emails to launch targeted phishing campaigns. They impersonate legitimate entities, like service providers or banks, to trick victims into revealing sensitive data.
- Spam campaigns: Vast amounts of harvested email addresses can be used to send large-scale unsolicited emails containing unwanted advertisements or malicious content. The aim is to drive traffic, sell products, or spread malware.
- Selling email lists: Harvesters can easily collect active email addresses in black markets and sell them to third parties, like advertisers and cyber criminals.
- Competitive espionage: Companies harvest email by collecting a competitor’s email list to learn about their strategies and customer preferences and lure away customers.
- Research and data analysis: It can be used for legitimate purposes. For example, researchers or marketers can collect email addresses to study user behavior, internet trends, or market segments. However, this practice might raise ethical concerns without user consent or transparency.