DMARC Monitoring, Enhanced QR Code Phishing Detection, and More Security Controls

In this update, INKY introduces DMARC Monitoring, a streamlined approach to DMARC compliance that aggregates and analyzes RUA reports in a user-friendly dashboard. A new "Executable File" threat category enhances security by flagging specific file types, while Wildcard Support for outbound mail approvers allows greater flexibility in email approval processes. INKY has also added a Signature Max Width setting for optimal display across devices. Enhanced protections include advanced detection for QR codes created in HTML tables, authentication checks for VIP list entries, and expanded Block List functionality that now applies to the "Reply-To" address, bolstering security against phishing attempts.

DMARC Monitoring

With this release comes the launch of INKY's DMARC Monitoring as generally available.

INKY's DMARC Monitoring solution streamlines the DMARC process by offering a dedicated reporting address to collect these RUA reports. The service then aggregates and analyzes the data, presenting it in an intuitive dashboard. This empowers administrators to quickly identify issues and take appropriate action, ensuring robust email security and maintaining domain integrity.

DMARC Monitoring requires an extra entitlement, please reach out to support@inky.com or your account executive to get enabled for a trial.

Learn more: DMARC Monitoring

Executable File

We've added a new threat category called Executable File which defaults to a yellow caution banner. While most organizations would never see these messages to begin with, due to default Microsoft and Google settings, some have requirements to process all emails. This category is given when one of the referenced filetypes is found in an email: Executable File Extensions Reference

Wildcard Support for Outbound Mail Protection Approvers

Used primarily as a fall back for the approval flow INKY now supports the wildcard “*” pattern in the Sender Pattern qualification input.

The below screenshot is an example of a fallback approver set to matt@polvocapital.com where any email that doesn't have a more specific approver setup will fall back to.

Signature Max Width Configuration

Found on the Email Signatures - INKY configuration page under the Styling & Formatting section is a new Maximum signature width option. This width defaults to 600px which is the maximum we'd recommend. Based on screen sizes of modern devices including laptops, tablets, and phones we'd recommend the following sizes below, but you can play around with whatever works for your organization.

• Max: 600px
• Best Fit: 450px
• Min: 320px

QR Code Detection - HTML Table Phish

QR code phishing has become one of the most rapidly growing forms of phishing, especially since QR codes gained popularity during the global pandemic. Recently, INKY has observed a new evolution of this tactic, where QR codes are constructed using HTML tables and Unicode characters. We've noticed this technique emerging over the past few months and have implemented protections against it. Now, we'd like to share how it works and how we defend against it.

We've encountered this technique before, particularly when attackers impersonate the Microsoft brand. Look at the table below; it closely resembles the Microsoft logo. Creating a logo using a table that closely mimics the standard Microsoft logo at a glance is an effective way to bypass detection platforms that don't scan rendered images—unlike INKY, which employs Computer Vision (CV) checks. While it looks like a table when scanned by a machine, our CV checks reveal it as a brand impersonation of Microsoft.

Now, apply this concept to a QR code. QR codes are simply groups of black squares arranged in a way that allows users to scan them with a camera to navigate to a link. But what if you created a table of squares, filled in with black or white backgrounds, or even used the Unicode character █, to mimic a QR code?

While this technique might seem time-consuming, filling in the squares can be automated with simple scripting and then deployed at scale. Look at the examples below. The first image is the QR code without the table's grid lines—it looks exactly like a typical QR code but is incredibly difficult to detect because it's not a standard image format. The second example reveals the grid lines, exposing the underlying technique.

INKY can detect this new technique in the same way we detect brand impersonations of Microsoft using tables—by analyzing the rendered DOM to see what the user sees. Although the email contains <table> or <pre> tags instead of an image in HTML, our Computer Vision checks recognize that the user is seeing a QR code. INKY then scans the QR code and assesses whether it's dangerous. Even if it's not classified as dangerous, INKY will still use the Email Assistant Banner to warn users with a message like “Beware of unexpected QR codes from unknown senders.” If the QR code is deemed dangerous, we'll mark the email as malicious and send it to the admin quarantine based on your delivery settings.

To keep your clients safe from malicious QR codes, data breaches, ransomware, or any other type of phishing threat, you need to partner with an expert. INKY offers a complete AI-driven email security platform that is easy to deploy, simple to administer, and a profitable way to boost your own revenue.

VIP List Authentication Checks

INKY has introduced a new checkbox option to enable authentication for VIP List checks. Previously, INKY would strictly match any "From" email address against the VIP list, considering it a match even if the email didn't pass authentication.

With this new option, the VIP list becomes more secure by requiring authentication for the "From" email address. This feature is currently rolling out to all customers and will become the default setting for all new teams in the future.

To enable this option, navigate to VIP List Settings.

Block List Applies to Reply-To

If an email address or domain listed on the block list is found within the Reply-To of a message then it will also match for that given block list entry.

For example, if a block list entry is added for tyler@productreport.ai or productreport.ai then it would apply to this email because the Reply-To is listed as that email address/domain.