Business Email Compromise (BEC) is one of the most financially damaging cyber threats facing businesses today. Attackers use deceitful emails to pose as trusted figures within an organization, making their fraudulent requests appear legitimate. As these tactics grow more advanced, both IT professionals and everyday employees must stay vigilant against these increasingly sophisticated scams.
In this article, we will break down what BEC is, how it works, and provide eight actionable tips to safeguard your business from this growing threat.
What Is Business Email Compromise (BEC)?
Business Email Compromise is a form of cybercrime where criminals exploit email systems to deceive employees into transferring funds or revealing sensitive business information. The scam typically involves the impersonation of a high-ranking company official, such as a CEO or CFO, to convince someone in the organization to take an action they otherwise wouldn’t.
Example Scenario:
A CFO receives an email that appears to be from the CEO, who is away on a business trip. The email urgently requests a wire transfer to a new vendor's account for a crucial overseas deal. The message seems convincing, using the CEO’s tone and referencing specific project details. Believing the request is genuine, the CFO processes the transfer. Days later, during a routine financial check, they discover the CEO never made the request, and the money has been sent to a fraudulent account - leading to a major financial loss.
So, how do scammers gather the necessary information to carry out these schemes? Here are several methods:
How Attackers Carry Out Business Email Compromise
- Phishing and Spear Phishing
Attackers may send emails that look harmless but attempt to steal sensitive information such as usernames, passwords, and account details. - Social Engineering
Cybercriminals may pose as trusted colleagues or business partners over phone calls or emails to gather internal information. - Exploiting Public Information
Scammers leverage publicly available data - like social media profiles, company websites, or press releases - to craft emails that seem legitimate and personalized. - Email Spoofing
By modifying the "From" address in the email header, scammers can impersonate trusted figures within your company, increasing the credibility of their requests. - Data Breaches
If a company or one of its partners suffers a data breach, sensitive details like email addresses and financial records can be used to impersonate employees and launch fraudulent attacks. - Reconnaissance and Monitoring
If attackers have gained access to an employee’s email account, they may monitor communication patterns and key business transactions to make their scam requests more convincing. - Impersonating Third Parties
Cybercriminals can impersonate vendors, clients, or other partners to deceive employees into making payments or sharing confidential information.
Is Your Business at Risk?
According to the FBI’s 2023 Internet Crime Report, BEC continues to be a major cybersecurity threat, with losses approaching $2.9 billion in 2023 alone. This type of attack affects businesses of all sizes, across various sectors, and in over 177 countries worldwide. As cybercriminals refine their tactics, BEC remains one of the most dangerous threats to modern organizations.
How to Protect Your Business from BEC
While the internet has brought tremendous benefits, it also presents numerous risks. Even those with limited technical skills can access personal and organizational data, which hackers can then use to exploit vulnerabilities. Here are eight steps to fortify your defenses against Business Email Compromise:
- Implement Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
Require MFA for access to email accounts and critical business systems. This adds an extra layer of protection, reducing the chances of unauthorized access. - Regular Employee Training
Educate employees about phishing scams, suspicious email signs, and best practices for identifying fraudulent communication. Regular training ensures a well-informed team that can recognize threats early. - Verify Financial Requests
Develop a robust verification process for any financial transaction requests. This can include confirming requests via a separate communication channel or phone call. - Monitor Email Traffic
Use advanced email filtering solutions to monitor for unusual email patterns, phishing attempts, or known malicious domains. Early detection tools can help reduce risks. - Enforce Strong Password Practices
Require employees to use strong, unique passwords for email accounts and sensitive systems. Encourage frequent password updates and discourage password reuse. - Adopt Email Security Protocols
Implement protocols like SPF, DKIM, and DMARC to verify the authenticity of incoming emails. These measures reduce the chances of email spoofing. - Keep Systems and Software Updated
Ensure that all security patches, software updates, and application fixes are regularly applied to protect against vulnerabilities and exploits. - Establish an Incident Response Plan
Develop and maintain a clear incident response plan that helps employees know what to do if they suspect a BEC attack. Having a structured approach can significantly reduce damage in case of a breach.
Let Navas Safeguard Your Business
At Navas, we offer a comprehensive, multi-layered approach to cybersecurity, tailored to meet the needs of your organization. From robust email security protocols to ongoing training and incident response strategies, we ensure your business remains protected against evolving cyber threats.
With Navas managing your cybersecurity, you can focus on what you do best, knowing that we’ve got your back in securing your digital assets.