What is a BEC attack?

A BEC attack, also known as a "Business Email Compromise" attack, is a type of cyber attack that involves the unauthorized use of a company's email system to send fraudulent messages or request sensitive information. BEC attacks often target financial institutions and other organizations that handle large amounts of money, and they are typically carried out by organized crime groups or nation-state actors.

BEC attacks often involve the compromise of a legitimate email account, either through phishing or other means, and the use of that account to send fraudulent messages or request sensitive information. The attackers may impersonate a company executive, a supplier, or other trusted party in order to trick the recipient into believing that the message is legitimate.

BEC attacks can be difficult to detect, because they often involve the use of real email accounts and legitimate-looking messages. They can result in significant financial losses for the victim organization, as well as damage to the organization's reputation.

To protect against BEC attacks, it is important for organizations to implement strong email security measures, educate employees about the dangers of phishing and other email-based threats, and be alert for unusual or suspicious requests for sensitive information or money.