How will you know who sent an email to you?

You can usually see the sender's email address and name in the "From" field of the email. Additionally, you can check the email header for more detailed information about the sender, such as their IP address and email server. If you are unsure about the sender's identity, you can also look for any signatures or contact information provided in the email.

Check the "From" Address:

- The "From" field in an email header typically displays the sender's email address or name.

Examine the Header Information:

- Open the email in your email client and navigate to the header view (e.g., "View Source" or "Show Original").
- Look for the "Return-Path:" or "Sender:" field, which will contain the sender's email address.

Check the SPF Record:

- SPF (Sender Policy Framework) is a DNS record that helps verify if the sender of an email is authorized to send it.
- If the SPF record for the domain from which the email was sent is valid, it indicates that the email likely came from the intended sender.

Analyze the Email Metadata:

- Most email servers include metadata with each email, such as the following:
- Message-ID: A unique identifier that can be used to track the email's origin and path.
- Received: Timestamps and IP addresses of the servers that the email passed through.
- DKIM Signature: A digital signature that helps verify the sender's identity and integrity of the email's content.

Use Sender Authentication Tools:

- There are online tools and services that can help authenticate the sender of an email based on its SPF, DKIM, and other factors.

Consider the Content:

- The content of the email can also provide clues about the sender, such as:
- Language and writing style
- Familiar references or information
- Reference to previous conversations

Additional Tips:

- Be vigilant about fake sender addresses, known as "spoofing."
- Contact the sender directly to confirm their identity if you have any doubts.
- Use email filtering tools to block suspicious emails.