Phishing Attack Simulation, Email Header Analysis, and URL Scrutiny: A Comprehensive Approach to Cyber Threat Mitigation

Abstract

In an era of increasing cyber threats, phishing attacks remain one of the most prevalent and damaging forms of cybercrime. This research aims to simulate phishing campaigns, analyze email headers, and scrutinize URLs to develop a robust framework for identifying and mitigating phishing threats. By leveraging a combination of automated tools and analytical techniques, this study enhances threat detection and response mechanisms within a cybersecurity framework. This research proposes a practical cybersecurity framework integrating open-source tools for phishing simulation, email header analysis, and URL scrutiny to present a comprehensive approach to cybersecurity. The findings contribute to strengthening email security, enhancing threat intelligence, and implementing proactive defense mechanisms, ultimately providing valuable insights into phishing attack methodologies and equipping organizations with the knowledge and tools necessary to mitigate phishing-related risks effectively. This approach stands out by integrating three key analysis strategies—phishing simulation, email header analysis, and URL scrutiny—offering a comprehensive method for identifying and evaluating phishing threats.