An email bomb is a malicious attempt to overwhelm a target email account or server with a large volume of emails, rendering it inaccessible or unusable. These emails can be sent from a single source or multiple sources, often using automated scripts or botnets, and can range in size from a few kilobytes to several megabytes. Email bombs are typically used as a form of cyberattack, with the goal of disrupting the target’s online activities, damaging their reputation, or extorting money.
The consequences of an email bomb can be severe, leading to lost productivity, financial losses, and reputational damage. In some cases, email bombs have been used to target critical infrastructure, such as government agencies and financial institutions, causing significant disruptions.