Phishing attacks are one of the oldest tricks in a hacker's toolbox, but they remain highly effective even today. One key reason is the ability to clone or replicate professional-looking email templates from trusted services like Instagram, Gmail, Facebook, and others. This makes it hard for the average user to differentiate between a genuine email and a fake one.
What is PhishMailer?
PhishMailer is an open-source tool available on GitHub that allows security researchers (and attackers) to create and send phishing emails using templates that resemble popular services. The tool offers pre-made email formats that can be sent using SMTP servers.
Disclaimer
This blog is for educational purposes only. The intent is to raise awareness about phishing threats so that users can better protect themselves. Do not use any of the information shared here for illegal purposes.
How Hackers Use PhishMailer Step-by-Step
1. Installation of PhishMailer
First, the attacker clones the tool from GitHub:
git clone https://github.com/BiZken/PhishMailer
cd PhishMailer
python3 PhishMailer.py
2. Selecting a Phishing Template
PhishMailer offers templates for Instagram, Gmail, Facebook, PayPal, and more. The attacker chooses one that looks real to the victim.
3. Configuring SMTP Email Settings
They input sender email credentials (usually using a fake SMTP service or a breached email). The tool allows customization of the sender's name and subject to look convincing.
4. Sending the Phishing Email
Once the setup is complete, the email is sent to the target. Since the templates are visually identical to real ones, unsuspecting users may click the malicious link.
5. Capturing Credentials
If the user clicks and inputs login info, the credentials are captured on a fake login page controlled by the attacker.
Commonly Targeted Platforms
- Instagram - “Suspicious login detected” emails
- Gmail - “Unusual activity in your account” notifications
- Facebook - “Someone tried to log in to your account” alerts
- PayPal - “Transaction failed” notifications
Tips to Stay Safe from Phishing Emails
- Always check the sender's email address carefully
- Hover over links to preview the destination URL
- Enable 2FA (Two-Factor Authentication) on all accounts
- Report phishing attempts to your service provider
Conclusion
PhishMailer shows how easy it is to create convincing phishing emails with the right tools. This highlights the importance of digital awareness and user education. Stay alert and always verify before you click.
