Skip to product menu
close
  • Recent Launches
    Press Space or Enter to display list of options
EXPLORE ALL PRODUCTS

Recent Launches

New

Payroll software with automated tax payments and filing.

Try now
New

Robotic process automation software to automate high-volume, rule-based tasks.

Try for free
New

Low-code IoT platform and solutions for connected businesses.

Try now
New

Business formation service to launch and grow your businesses.

Try now
New

Privacy-friendly application analytics solution.

Try for free

Sales

 
CRM

Comprehensive CRM platform for customer-facing teams.

CRM
 
Bigin

Simple CRM for small businesses moving from spreadsheets.

Bigin
 
Forms

Build online forms for every business need.

Forms
 
SalesIQ

Live chat app to engage and convert website visitors.

SalesIQ
 
Bookings

Appointment scheduling app for consultations with customers.

Bookings
 
Sign

Digital signature app for businesses.

Sign
 
RouteIQ

Comprehensive sales map visualization and optimal route planning solution.

RouteIQ
 
Thrive

Complete loyalty and affiliate management platform.

Thrive
 
Voice

Cloud Contact Center Software for businesses.

Voice
 
Suites
CRM Plus

Unified platform to deliver top-notch customer experience.

CRM Plus

Marketing

 
Social

All-in-one social media management software.

Social
 
Campaigns

Create, send, and track targeted email campaigns that drive sales.

Campaigns
 
Forms

Build online forms for every business need.

Forms
 
Survey

Design surveys to reach and interact with your audience.

Survey
 
Sites

Online website builder with extensive customisation options.

Sites
 
PageSense

Website conversion optimization and personalisation platform.

PageSense
 
Backstage

End-to-end event management software.

Backstage
 
Webinar

Webinar platform for webcasting online webinars.

Webinar
 
Marketing Automation

All-in-one marketing automation software.

Marketing Automation
 
LandingPage

Smart landing page builder to increase conversion rates

LandingPage
 
Publish

Manage all your local business listings on a single platform.

Publish
 
SalesIQ

Live chat app to engage and convert website visitors.

SalesIQ
 
Sign

Digital signature app for businesses.

Sign
 
Thrive

Complete loyalty and affiliate management platform.

Thrive
 
Voice

Cloud Contact Center Software for businesses.

Voice
 
NEW
LeadChain

Sync, manage, and convert leads across channels seamlessly.

LeadChain
 
NEW
CommunitySpaces

Online community platform for individuals and businesses to grow their network and brand.

CommunitySpaces
 
Suites
Marketing Plus

Unified marketing platform for marketing teams.

Marketing Plus

Commerce and POS

 
Commerce

eCommerce platform to manage and market your online store.

Commerce

Service

 
Desk

Helpdesk software to deliver great customer support.

Desk
 
Assist

Remote support and unattended remote access software.

Assist
 
Lens

Interactive remote assistance software with augmented reality.

Lens
 
FSM

End-to-end field service management platform for service businesses.

FSM
 
SalesIQ

Live chat app to engage and convert website visitors.

SalesIQ
 
Voice

Cloud Contact Center Software for businesses.

Voice
 
NEW
Solo

The all-in-one toolkit for solopreneurs.

Solo
 
Bookings

Appointment scheduling app for consultations with customers.

Bookings
 
Suites
Service Plus

Unified platform for customer service and support teams.

Service Plus

Finance

 
Books

Powerful accounting platform for growing businesses.

Books
 
FREE
Invoice

100% Free invoicing solution.

Invoice
 
Expense

Effortless expense reporting platform.

Expense
 
Inventory

Powerful stock management and inventory control software.

Inventory
 
Billing

End-to-end billing solution for your business.

Billing
 
Checkout

Collect payments online with custom branded pages.

Checkout
 
NEW
Payroll

Payroll software with automated tax payments and filing.

Payroll
 
NEW
Solo

The all-in-one toolkit for solopreneurs.

Solo
 
Practice

Practice management software for accounting firms.

Practice
 
Sign

Digital signature app for businesses.

Sign
 
Commerce

eCommerce platform to manage and market your online store.

Commerce
 
Suites
Finance Plus

All-in-one suite to manage your operations and finances.

Finance Plus

Email and Collaboration

 
Mail

Secure email service for teams of all sizes.

Mail
 
Meeting

Online meeting software for all your video conferencing & webinar needs.

Meeting
 
Writer

Word processor for focused writing and discussions.

Writer
 
Sheet

Spreadsheet software for collaborative teams.

Sheet
 
Show

Create, edit, and share slides with a sleek presentation app.

Show
 
Notebook

Beautiful home for all your notes.

Notebook
 
Cliq

Stay in touch with teams no matter where you are.

Cliq
 
Connect

Employee experience platform to communicate, engage, and build positive employee relations.

Connect
 
Bookings

Appointment scheduling app for consultations with customers.

Bookings
 
TeamInbox

Shared inboxes for teams.

TeamInbox
 
WorkDrive

Online file management for teams.

WorkDrive
 
Sign

Digital signature app for businesses.

Sign
 
Office Suite

Powerful collaborative work platform for teams.

Office Suite
 
Office Integrator

Built in document editors for web apps.

Office Integrator
 
ZeptoMail

Secure and reliable transactional email sending service.

ZeptoMail
 
Calendar

Online business calendar to manage events and schedule appointments.

Calendar
 
Learn

Knowledge and learning management platform.

Learn
 
Voice

Cloud Contact Center Software for businesses.

Voice
 
ToDo

Collaborative task management for individuals and teams.

ToDo
 
Tables

Work management tool to connect people, processes, and information.

Tables
 
FREE
PDF Editor

Collaborative online PDF editing tool.

PDF Editor
 
Suites
Workplace

Application suite built to improve team productivity and collaboration.

Workplace

Human Resources

 
People

Organize, automate, and simplify your HR processes.

People
 
Recruit

Intuitive recruiting platform built to provide hiring solutions.

Recruit
 
Expense

Effortless expense reporting platform.

Expense
 
Workerly

Manage temporary staffing with an employee scheduling solution.

Workerly
 
NEW
Payroll

Payroll software with automated tax payments and filing.

Payroll
 
Shifts

Employee scheduling and time tracking app.

Shifts
 
Sign

Digital signature app for businesses.

Sign
 
Suites
People Plus

Comprehensive HR platform for seamless employee experiences.

People Plus

Security and IT Management

 
Creator

Build custom apps to simplify business processes.

Creator
 
Directory

Workforce identity and access management solution for cloud businesses.

Directory
 
FREE
OneAuth

Secure multi-factor authenticator (MFA) for all your online accounts.

OneAuth
 
Vault

Online password manager for teams.

Vault
 
Catalyst

Pro-code platform to build and deploy your apps.

Catalyst
 
Toolkit

Complete resource for any admin-related lookup queries.

Toolkit
 
Lens

Interactive remote assistance software with augmented reality.

Lens
 
Assist

Remote support and unattended remote access software.

Assist
 
QEngine

Test automation software to build, manage, execute, and report testcases.

QEngine
 
NEW
RPA

Automate manual, tedious, and repetitive tasks easily.

RPA

BI and Analytics

 
Analytics

Modern self-service BI and analytics platform.

Analytics
 
Embedded BI

Embedded analytics and white label BI solutions, tailored for your needs.

Embedded BI
 
DataPrep

AI-powered data preparation service for your data-driven organization.

DataPrep
 
NEW
IoT

Harnessing IoT analytics for real-time operational intelligence.

IoT

Project Management

 
Projects

Manage, track, and collaborate on projects with teams.

Projects
 
Sprints

Planning and tracking tool for scrum teams.

Sprints
 
BugTracker

Automatic bug tracking software for managing bugs.

BugTracker
 
NEW
Solo

The all-in-one toolkit for solopreneurs.

Solo

Developer Platforms

 
Creator

Build custom apps to simplify business processes.

Creator
 
Flow

Automate business workflows by creating smart integrations.

Flow
 
Catalyst

Pro-code platform to build and deploy your apps.

Catalyst
 
Office Integrator

Built in document editors for web apps.

Office Integrator
 
ZeptoMail

Secure and reliable transactional email sending service.

ZeptoMail
 
QEngine

Test automation software to build, manage, execute, and report testcases.

QEngine
 
Tables

Work management tool to connect people, processes, and information.

Tables
 
NEW
RPA

Automate manual, tedious, and repetitive tasks easily.

RPA
 
NEW
Apptics

Application analytics for all apps.

Apptics
 
Embedded BI

Embedded analytics and white label BI solutions, tailored for your needs.

Embedded BI
 
NEW
IoT

Build, deploy, and scale IoT solutions for connected businesses.

IoT
 
DataPrep

AI-powered data preparation service for your data-driven organization.

DataPrep

IoT

 
NEW
IoT

Low-code IoT platform and solutions for connected businesses.

IoT

Search Result

 
CRM Plus

Unified platform to deliver top-notch customer experience.

Try now
CRM Plus
 
Service Plus

Unified platform for customer service and support teams.

Try now
Service Plus
 
Finance Plus

All-in-one suite to manage your operations and finances.

Try now
Finance Plus
 
People Plus

Comprehensive HR platform for seamless employee experiences.

Try now
People Plus
 
Workplace

Application suite built to improve team productivity and collaboration.

Try now
Workplace
 
Marketing Plus

Unified marketing platform for marketing teams.

Try now
Marketing Plus
 
All-in-one suite

Zoho One

The Operating System for Business

Run your entire business on Zoho with our unified cloud software, designed to help you break down silos between departments and increase organizational efficiency.

TRY ZOHO ONE
Zoho One
Zoho Marketplace

With over 2000 ready-to-use extensions across 40+ categories, connect your favorite business tools with the Zoho products you already use.

EXPLORE MARKETPLACE
Marketplace
Skip to main content

What can I do to mitigate Business Email Compromise?

  • Published : June 21, 2023
  • Last Updated : November 2, 2023
  • 825 Views
  • 6 Min Read

What is Business Email Compromise?

Ever had the experience of trusting someone only to end up being betrayed? Well, business email compromise is the email way of being back stabbed by someone you’ve trusted. Only in this case, it’s not actually that person swindling you of your company's valuable information, but an imposter posing as that person.

Business Email Compromise

Business email compromise (BEC) is a result of a successful social-engineering attack carried out by a scammer. Parties with malicious intent will spy on their victims for quite some time so that they can familiarize themselves with their routine. This will serve as valuable intel for scammers so that they can manipulate the employees of an organization by posing as a CEO or other people from higher authority.

Who is most likely to be targeted?

BEC tactics hinge on targeting top-level executives and working down the corporate ladder. The people most at risk of this scam are a company's CEO, COO, CFO, and HR manager. In the last stage, it will trickle down to unsuspecting entry-level employees.

Compromising the email accounts of high-ranking executives opens the doors for a wide array of attacks, as the scammers exploit the executives to extract proprietary information worth millions of dollars by completely bypassing their IT security infrastructure.

The company’s clients and customers are also defrauded of their money as a result of BEC. For example, scammers will often pose as the company’s financial department manager requesting that the client pay an invoice. Instead, the payment will be made to a bank account controlled by the scammers.

Examples of Business Email Compromise 

While not an exhaustive list, these are just a few examples of how BEC can happen even in companies with the strictest email security policies.  

Impersonating the CEO 

This BEC attack has the highest chance of deceiving the victim into giving up whatever the scammer asks for. Here, the scammer This attack has the highest chance of deceiving the victim into giving up whatever the scammer asks for. Here, the scammer gains illegal access to the email ID of a company's CEO and asks unsuspecting employees to send money as soon as possible via that email.

Overdue fake invoices

In this case, the fraudsters will pose as a trusty external vendor and send a fake invoice to a company urging them to pay it as soon as possible to avoid a penalty. Because this type of BEC presents itself with a sense of urgency, victims end up playing right into the hands of the scammers.

Attorney manipulation

Usually targeting new employees who will likely comply to a request from a legal body, these employees are asked to send money or sensitive information to the scammers, who are posing as company attorneys. This request will mostly be time sensitive and will also ask for complete confidentiality so that the employees can't validate the request.

Data compromise 

A successful BEC scammer gains access to important email accounts of an organization, such as the HR director or CFO. From there, the fraudsters are free to steal vital information, such as employee social security numbers or banking account details. This information can then be used by these scammers in a future attack.

How can organizations be better equipped against business email compromise attacks? 

These examples may seem scary and make you want to forgo using email entirely in your company. But as with any threat, there are many ways to counter BEC attacks. These include both technical safety measures and contributions from the company’s employees, managers, and officers.

Technical measures

On the IT side, there are a number of things developers and technicians can do to guard against a BEC attack. The first step would be to host your email with a secure cloud email provider.

This will be your first line of defense in whatever potential attack the scammer has launched against you. These email providers come with built-in filters to weed out any emails with fishy subject lines or that come from questionable domains.

Enable multi-factor authentication  

Most email providers have the option to enable multi-factor authentication (MFA). This will go a long way in your defense against BEC attacks because the scammers can't gain access to your email account even if your password becomes compromised.

Invest in machine-learning analysis tools 

Tools such as Cloudfare bot management were developed with the aim of combating BEC attacks. These tools employ advanced machine learning algorithms to be on the lookout for email text that appears out of the ordinary and immediately flag them as spam.

Include natural language processing models 

John is the head of customer success in a company. Suddenly he receives an urgent request to pay $10,000 to an employee. He has nothing to do with finance but, depending on the sender, he might be tempted to walk right into the scammer's trap. A natural language processing model will catch such out-of-place emails and flag them for BEC, thereby preventing John from ever receiving such malicious emails.

Human factor preventive measures

Educating everyone in your organization about what a BEC attack might look like can be your best defense against the attack penetrating your firewalls and other email security measures. Some possible employee initiatives you could employ are explained below.

Train employees to detect spammy emails 

A BEC attack will have certain tell-tale signs that can reveal the lack of authenticity of any email. If an employee senses that the email sender is outside the organization or the URL the email is redirecting to doesn't seem legit, they should report it to the compliance team.

Create a culture that challenges the authenticity of high-priority requests  

An employee getting instructions from the CEO to wire transfer money to a particular bank should validate the request before proceeding. This can be crucial in evading the scare tactics used by BEC scammers.

Conduct surprise training exercises regularly 

The in-house compliance team can send emails imitating a BEC attack to check how their employees respond to them. The conclusion of these exercises can be recorded and used to provide training to employees to equip themselves against BEC attacks.

Wrapping up 

BEC is a real thing even with all the advancements in email security nowadays. By following the advice in this article, you can improve the chances your company's email stays secure on a holistic level.

Being deceived by your most trusted people wasn’t cool during the times of Julius Caesar, and it’s most certainly not cool now. This is why BEC scams shouldn’t be taken lightly because of the hefty losses they can inflict on any business.

The adverse implications that a successful business email compromise can have on your business and how this type of scam presents itself can be found in Part 2 of this article. This will help you spot and stop an attack dead in its tracks.

Related Topics

  • A person
    Rohan

    Rohan Samuel is a product marketer for Zoho Workplace who talks about workplace security, productivity, and collaboration. He is a highly enthusiastic writer who delights in evoking visual imagination with words. He also enjoys playing football with his buddies and traveling to new places.  

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked

The comment language code.
By submitting this form, you agree to the processing of personal data according to our Privacy Policy.

You may also like