What is a Business Email Compromise (BEC) Attack?

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Business email countermeasures (BEC) are becoming an increasingly dangerous cyber threat to businesses around the world. These attacks exploit weaknesses in email systems, using social engineering to trick employees into transferring money, sharing sensitive data, or disclosing classified information. Understanding BEC attacks is critical for organizations of all sizes, as these scams result in billions of dollars in financial losses each year.

In this guide, we'll cover BEC attacks in detail , how they work, the different types, and how companies can protect themselves.

Table of contents

What is a Business Email Compromise (BEC) attack?
How does a BEC attack work?
Types of BEC attacks
Real Life Examples of BEC Attacks
Warning Signs of a BEC Attack
How to Prevent BEC Attacks
What to do if your company has been subjected to a BEC attack
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What is a Business Email Compromise (BEC) attack?
Business Email Compromise ( BEC) is a form of cybercrime in which attackers use email fraud to manipulate an organization. Posing as an executive, partner, or trusted colleague, attackers convince employees to make a money transfer, share sensitive information, or approve large purchases under false pretenses.

BEC attacks are effective because they rely on social engineering, which manipulates human trust rather than technical vulnerabilities. These attacks have become some of the most costly cybercrimes worldwide, affecting companies of all sizes and industries.

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How does a BEC attack work?
BEC attacks involve a series of calculated steps aimed at manipulating employees. Here's how a typical BEC attack plays out:




Reconnaissance : Attackers study public information about a company, including employee roles, hierarchy, and common business partners.
Installing an impostor : Using phishing emails or fake login pages, attackers can gain access to an employee's email credentials or install a similar email domain.
Performing an attack :
Impersonation or spoofing : Attackers send messages that appear to be from a trusted person, such as a company executive, client, or attorney.
Urgent Action Request : These letters are often urgent in nature, requiring immediate payment, a bank transfer, or the provision of confidential information.
A common method used in BEC attacks is email spoofing , where attackers send emails that appear to be from a trusted domain. Phishing and malware are also used to gain access to employee credentials, giving attackers persistent access to a company's internal communications.

Types of BEC attacks
There are several types of BEC attacks, each targeting different weaknesses in a company's structure:

CEO scams : In CEO scams, criminals pose as a high-ranking executive, such as the CEO or CFO. They send urgent emails to employees, often in the finance or accounts payable department, asking for money to be transferred immediately.