ARTICLE: Microsoft: Your business really needs to step up its email protection, and here’s why

We need to talk about something serious – the rise of Business Email Compromise (BEC) attacks. They’re becoming more sophisticated and frequent, and can have devastating consequences for your company’s finances, reputation, and security.

What exactly is a BEC attack?

It’s when a cyber criminal gains access to a legitimate company email account and uses it to send fraudulent messages to other employees, customers, or partners.

These messages can be very convincing, often using social engineering tactics to trick people into giving away sensitive information or transferring money.

The scary thing about BEC attacks is that they can be hard to spot. The fake emails might look like they’re coming from someone you trust, or they might contain details that make them seem legitimate. That’s why it’s important to be vigilant and know the warning signs.

Here are some red flags to watch out for:

1. Urgent requests for money or financial information. If someone is pressuring you to make a payment or provide sensitive data ASAP, be skeptical.

2. Changes to payment instructions or wire transfer details. Cyber criminals might intercept legitimate emails and modify the payment instructions, so double-check before sending any funds.

3. Emails from unusual addresses or with strange formatting. Sometimes cyber criminals will use domain names or email addresses that are similar to legitimate ones but with subtle differences.

4. Requests for confidential information that normally wouldn’t be shared over email. Remember, sensitive data should always be encrypted and exchanged through secure channels.

If you suspect that you’ve been targeted by a BEC attack, don’t panic – but do act urgently. Contact your IT support partner immediately, and consider additional safeguards like multi-factor authentication or employee training programs.

Remember, cyber security is everyone’s responsibility. Stay vigilant, stay informed, and stay safe! If we can help you do that, get in touch.

#CyberSecurity #BECAttack #DataSecurity