What is Header Information? A Legal Perspective

Definition & Meaning

Header information refers to the data attached to an email message that indicates its source, destination, and routing. This includes the originating email address, the domain name from which the email was sent, and any other identifying information about the sender. Understanding header information is crucial for identifying the legitimacy of an email and protecting against spam and phishing attempts.

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Real-world examples

Here are a couple of examples of abatement:

Example 1: An email claiming to be from a bank might include header information that shows it was sent from a suspicious domain, indicating it is likely a phishing attempt.

Example 2: A company may analyze header information to trace the source of a spam campaign targeting its employees. (hypothetical example)

What to do if this term applies to you

If you receive an email that raises suspicion, examine the header information to verify its authenticity. You can use online tools to analyze email headers. If you are unsure or if the email appears fraudulent, consider consulting a legal professional. For those looking to manage their email practices, US Legal Forms offers templates to help comply with email regulations.

Key takeaways

Frequently asked questions

Header information includes the source, destination, and routing details of an email, helping to identify its legitimacy.