Email is an essential tool for modern businesses, but as the saying goes, “with great power comes great responsibility”.
As a business owner, it’s your responsibility to ensuring the security of your business email account. It’s critical to keeping your data and finances from falling into the wrong hands.
Business Email Compromise (or BEC) is a growing threat. And if you become a target, it could cost you—big time.
So, what exactly is a BEC attack?
BEC attacks involve cybercriminals impersonating high-ranking individuals—like CEOs, executives, or IT staff—to deceive employees into sharing sensitive information or authorizing fraudulent transactions. Research shows that nearly 90% of BEC attempts are set up this way.
It’s easy to see why it’s effective, especially when the recipient trusts the supposed sender.
BEC attacks have has surged dramatically in recent months. In the third quarter of this year alone, researchers analyzed 1.8 billion emails worldwide and identified 208 million as malicious. More than half (58%) of these malicious emails were BEC-related.
The figures make it clear: BEC scams are now the leading email-based threat to businesses.
What makes BEC attacks particularly insidious is their ability to exploit trust. Lower-level employees, who may be less familiar with cybersecurity risks or more hesitant to question authority, are often the primary targets. A convincing email from a “superior” can lead to quick, unquestioned compliance, potentially resulting in significant financial or data losses.
Additionally, scammers aren’t limited to BEC tactics. Phishing attacks and commercial spam remain widespread, tricking individuals into providing personal information like passwords or credit card details.
In fact, these types of scams are now more prevalent than traditional ransomware or malware attacks, underscoring the need for comprehensive email security.
Start by implementing regular training sessions to help employees recognize suspicious emails and verify unusual requests. Encourage a “trust but verify” mindset, where team members double-check the legitimacy of any email that seems urgent or asks for sensitive information.
A proactive approach to email security is vital in today’s cyber threat landscape. If you need assistance evaluating or improving your defenses, contact us today for expert support. Staying vigilant now can save your business from costly attacks later.
Apollo IT Services has been helping businesses since our founding in Austin, TX in 2015. With offices in Austin and Northwest Arkansas, we’ve continued to evolve alongside technology, adapting our services to include comprehensive managed IT solutions, cybersecurity expertise, and cloud services. Our mission is simple: to empower your business with reliable IT and empower you with peace of mind. Give us a call today!