Phishing detection tool for financial emails

Abstract

Phishing attacks have emerged as a significant cybersecurity threat, especially within the financial domain, where email serves as a prevalent vector for malicious activities. This project report outlines the development and evaluation of a Chrome browser extension tailored to bolster email security, specifically focusing on detecting and mitigating phishing attempts in financial communications. The study begins with a thorough examination of the techniques and tactics used by phishing attackers in financial email campaigns. A sophisticated awareness of the changing landscape of phishing assaults is required to develop successful defences. The key contribution of this work is the development of a powerful Chrome browser extension that easily integrates with common email services in the financial sector. This extension harnesses a blend of machine learning algorithms, URL analysis, and user-friendly interfaces to identify potentially malicious financial emails. It rigorously scans email content, scrutinizing hyperlinks and attachments for signs of phishing. The extension evaluates URL reputations, checks for typical phishing indicators, and examines email headers. In case any suspicious elements are identified, users receive real-time alerts, enabling them to make informed decisions about the safety of financial emails. To ensure the extension’s accuracy and effectiveness within the financial context, an extensive dataset of real-world phishing emails and legitimate financial messages is employed for training and testing. The report offers a comprehensive analysis of the extension’s performance, emphasizing its capability to detect and prevent phishing attempts in financial emails while minimizing false positives. In addition to its detection capabilities, the extension actively promotes user awareness and education regarding phishing threats within the financial sector. It provides guidance on recognizing phishing red flags and offers educational resources to enhance user security practices. This work concludes with an evaluation of the extension’s usability and its potential impact on enhancing email security within the financial domain. It underscores the critical role of proactive measures, such as this extension, in addressing the evolving threat landscape of phishing attacks in the digital age, particularly within financial communications.