Device Spoofing: A Guide to Detection and Prevention

Device spoofing comes in many flavors: from altering an IP address to mimicking a legitimate wifi network, device spoofing comes in various forms, each posing unique risks. Below are the most common types, along with a few more unique examples:

IP address spoofing

IP address spoofing is one of the most common forms of device spoofing, where the source IP address is changed to make the visit appear as though it originated from a different device. In most cases, this is accomplished by altering the packet header.

Changing the IP address allows attackers to bypass firewalls, evade detection, and exploit trusted networks. By disguising their true IP addresses, cybercriminals can carry out large-scale attacks without being easily traced (this method is often used in DDoS attacks).

Read More: What is IP Spoofing – How Can You Spot & Block It?

Browser spoofing (user agent spoofing)

Browser spoofing, aka “user agent spoofing”, is when the user agent string is modified. The “user agent string” is a line of text sent by a web browser to identify itself to web servers, and typically contains information about the browser type, operating system, and device being used.

By altering this string, attackers can disguise the true nature of the device or browser, making it appear as though the request is coming from a different source. This is sometimes used in software development for testing, but can also be used for ad fraud, and to avoid detection by security systems.

GPS Spoofing

In GPS spoofing, the GPS signals received by a device are manipulated to make it appear as though the device is in a different location. This affects industries that rely on location-based services (e.g. logistics, mobile gaming, etc).

One example consequence of this type of spoofing: advertisers who rely on accurate location data can be deceived into serving ads to users in fake locations, leading to wasted ad spend.

MAC address spoofing

Your MAC address (Media Access Control address) is assigned to each device connected to a network, and helps to identify different devices using the same local network like computers, mobile phones, smart devices, gaming consoles, etc.

For example, an attacker can change the MAC address of a device to make it appear like a known, trusted device on a network, which can be then used to get around network controls or other methods of tracking.

Other types of spoofing

There are a few different types of spoofing that are less prevalent than the ones we just covered, including:

• • IMEI spoofing: The IMEI number is a unique identifier assigned to each mobile device, and spoofing it can have serious implications for mobile security. It can be used to get around device blacklists or tracking efforts by law enforcement. By changing the IMEI number, attackers can make stolen or counterfeit devices appear legitimate.
  • WiFi SSID spoofing: This creates a fake WiFi network with the same name (SSID) as a legitimate one, luring users into connecting to it. This method is often used in phishing attacks to intercept sensitive data, spread malware, and conduct Man-in-the-Middle attacks. Once connected to the spoofed network, attackers can easily capture login credentials and other personal information from unsuspecting users.