Email Spacing Identifies Leakers

A clever method of identifying information leakers by embedding unique identifiers in emails through spacing patterns. Based on Elon Musk's experience catching a Tesla leaker.

The Email Fingerprinting Technique

• Send identical emails but with subtle unique spacing differences
• Each recipient gets a version with slightly different spacing patterns
• Creates a unique "fingerprint" that can be traced back to specific recipients
• When leaked content appears, spacing patterns reveal the source

Implementation Details

• Use varying numbers of spaces between words or sentences
• Example: Put "one space or two spaces" between specific sentences
• Create a long email to have multiple opportunities for unique patterns
• Each recipient gets their own uniquely spaced version
• Track which spacing pattern was sent to each person

Key Benefits

• Non-invasive way to track information flow
• Doesn't require special software or tools
• Hard for leakers to detect or remove these patterns
• Provides clear proof of the leak source
• Can be implemented immediately without technical overhead

Real World Example

• Elon Musk used this to catch a Tesla leaker
• Sent company-wide email with unique spacing patterns
• When content appeared in media, spacing revealed the source
• Led to quick identification of the person sharing confidential info
• More effective than investigating email servers or devices

Considerations

• Works best with longer email content
• Requires careful tracking of which version went to whom
• Most effective when recipients don't know about the technique
• Can be used for important/sensitive communications
• Simple but powerful way to protect confidential information