What is Business Email Compromise?
Business Email Compromise (BEC) is a sophisticated scam targeting companies that conduct wire transfers and have suppliers abroad. In a BEC attack, cybercriminals compromise legitimate business email accounts through social engineering or computer intrusion techniques to conduct unauthorized transfers of funds.
Why is BEC a Concern in Email Marketing?
Email marketing involves sending emails to a large number of recipients, making it a prime target for BEC attacks. If cybercriminals gain access to your email marketing account, they can send fraudulent emails to your customers, damaging your
brand reputation and potentially leading to financial losses.
Unauthorized access to your email list
Sending phishing emails to your customers
Exfiltration of sensitive customer data
Manipulation of your marketing messages
Implementing robust security measures is crucial for preventing BEC in your email marketing efforts. Here are some effective strategies:
1. Use Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
Enabling
MFA adds an extra layer of security to your email accounts. Even if a cybercriminal obtains your password, they will still need a second form of verification to gain access.
2. Educate Your Team
Training your team on the risks and signs of BEC is essential. Conduct regular security awareness sessions to keep everyone informed about the latest
phishing techniques and how to spot suspicious activity.
3. Monitor Email Activity
Regularly monitor your email account activity for any unusual behavior. This can include unfamiliar IP addresses, sudden changes in email settings, or unexpected email forwarding rules.4. Implement Email Authentication Protocols
Use email authentication protocols such as
SPF,
DKIM, and
DMARC. These protocols help verify the legitimacy of incoming and outgoing emails, reducing the likelihood of your domain being spoofed.
5. Verify Requests for Sensitive Information
Always verify requests for sensitive information, especially those involving financial transactions. This can be done through a secondary communication channel, such as a phone call, to confirm the authenticity of the request.6. Use Secure Email Gateways
Implementing a secure email gateway can help filter out malicious emails before they reach your inbox. These gateways use advanced threat detection techniques to identify and block potential BEC attempts.7. Regularly Update Software and Systems
Ensure that all software and systems used in your email marketing efforts are regularly updated. This includes your email marketing platform, operating systems, and any related applications. Keeping your software up-to-date helps protect against known vulnerabilities. Change your passwords and enable MFA
Notify your IT and security teams
Inform your customers about the potential breach
Conduct a thorough investigation to determine the extent of the compromise
Conclusion
Preventing BEC in the context of email marketing requires a combination of proactive security measures and ongoing vigilance. By implementing these strategies and staying informed about the latest threats, you can protect your business and maintain the trust of your customers.