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Business Email Compromise (BEC)

July 21, 2025

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Business Email Compromise (BEC)

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TEKRiSQ Overview Attacks Why SMBs?    Defense Emergency Plan
 

SMB vulnerability assessment hacking theft fraud impersonation flaw hypothesis methodology High Assurance Guard CISO

The Silent Threat to Your Business

Business Email Compromise (BEC) doesn’t use complex viruses. It uses trust as a weapon. This guide helps you understand and defend against it.

It’s Not a Hacking Problem—It’s a Human Problem.

In the digital age, many business owners picture cyber threats as complex viruses or massive data breaches. However, one of the most financially devastating and fastest-growing threats doesn’t rely on sophisticated malware. It relies on human psychology. This threat is Business Email Compromise (BEC), a targeted scam that manipulates employees into sending money or sensitive data directly to cybercriminals.

While headlines often focus on large corporations, Small and Medium-sized Businesses (SMBs) are increasingly the primary targets. This interactive guide will break down what BEC is, why your SMB is at risk, and the concrete steps you can take to build a strong defense.

BEC Attack Composition (Illustrative)

This chart illustrates the core principle of BEC: the vast majority of the attack’s success relies on manipulating people, not exploiting technology.

Know Your Enemy: Types of BEC

BEC attacks wear different masks. Learn to recognize the most common forms of deception by clicking on each type below.

👤 CEO Fraud

Impersonating an executive to demand an urgent payment.

🧾 Invoice Fraud

Posing as a supplier to redirect invoice payments.

⚖️ Attorney Impersonation

Claiming to be a lawyer handling a confidential matter.

📦 Data Theft

Posing as HR or an exec to steal sensitive employee data.

Why Are SMBs Prime Targets?

Many SMB leaders believe they’re too small to be a target. The reality is the opposite. Click on each point to understand your vulnerabilities.

🛡️
💥

Fewer Formal Processes

Culture of Trust

Limited Resources

Perceived as Easy Targets

A successful BEC attack can be crippling for an SMB, leading not only to significant financial loss but also to severe reputational damage with clients and partners.

Building Your Human Firewall

Protection isn’t about buying one piece of software. It’s about creating layers of defense rooted in process, people, and technology.

1. Establish Strict Processes

Never rely on email alone to validate financial requests. A strong process is your first line of defense. Click through the steps below.

Step 1: Urgent Request Received
↓
Step 2: Out-of-Band Confirmation
↓
Step 3: Approval & Action

2. Foster Aware People

Your employees are your last and best line of defense. They must be equipped to spot and report suspicious requests through continuous education.

3. Leverage Smart Technology

While technology can’t solve the problem alone, it provides critical warning signs and makes spoofing more difficult.

  • Email Banners: Configure your email system to place a clear warning banner on all messages originating from outside your organization (e.g., “[EXTERNAL EMAIL]”).
  • Authentication: Implement email authentication standards like SPF, DKIM, and DMARC to make it harder for attackers to spoof your domain.

What to Do If You Suspect an Attack

If you believe you have been targeted or have fallen victim to a BEC scam, time is of the essence. Act immediately.

  1. 1

    Don’t Respond

    Do not reply to the suspicious email. This can confirm your email is active and may invite further attacks.

  2. 2

    Contact Your Bank

    If money was sent, immediately call your bank’s fraud department. Ask them to stop or recall the wire transfer. Every second counts.

  3. 3

    Report Internally

    Notify your IT department or manager immediately so they can investigate and warn others.

  4. 4

    Report to Law Enforcement

    File a report with the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3). This is a critical step in the national effort to combat these crimes. You can file a report at www.ic3.gov.

 

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