The 5 Most Common Types of Business Email Compromise Attacks

Business Email Compromise (BEC) attacks have become a significant threat to companies of all sizes. These sophisticated scams can lead to substantial financial losses and severe data breaches. Understanding the most common types of BEC attacks can help your organization implement effective strategies to prevent them. Here’s a closer look at the five types of email scams that are most successful in compromising business operations.

1. CEO Fraud: CEO fraud involves attackers posing as company executives to manipulate employees into transferring money or confidential information. Typically, these emails create a sense of urgency and demand immediate action, often bypassing normal protocols due to the supposed high rank of the requester. Educating your employees about verifying such requests through multiple channels is crucial to defending against this type of scam.

2. Vendor Invoice Scam: This scam occurs when an attacker, pretending to be a trusted vendor, sends fraudulent invoices or payment change requests. They may claim there has been a change in bank details or assert that immediate payment is necessary due to overdue invoices. It’s essential to confirm any such changes directly with the vendor through a verified communication method before processing payments.

3. Account Takeover: An account takeover happens when a cybercriminal gains access to an employee’s email account. Once inside, they can send believable requests for payments or sensitive information to other employees or external contacts, making the scam particularly dangerous. Robust password policies, multi-factor authentication, and regular monitoring of account activities are effective ways to prevent such takeovers.

4. Payroll Diversion: In payroll diversion scams, the attacker impersonates an employee and requests changes to payroll details, directing the payments to their own bank account. These requests often go to HR or payroll departments and can be overlooked amidst regular payroll adjustments. Strong verification processes for any changes to financial details can help thwart these attempts.

5. Data Theft: Data theft is often targeted at HR or finance departments where sensitive personal and financial information is stored. Attackers might request bulk data files or specific information, purporting the need for audit or review. Implementing strict data access policies and educating staff on the handling of sensitive information are critical defenses against data theft.

Business email compromise attacks pose a sophisticated and evolving threat. However, by understanding these common strategies used by cybercriminals, businesses can better prepare and protect themselves. Implementing comprehensive security measures, conducting regular employee training, and fostering a culture of skepticism can significantly reduce the risk of BEC attacks.

Don’t wait until a breach occurs. Contact Imagineering today to assess your current email security measures and ensure your defenses are robust enough to ward off these sophisticated BEC attacks.