Business Email Compromise (BEC) is a social-engineering attack in which a criminal impersonates an employee, manager or business partner and sends a fraudulent email to obtain money, data or another benefit.

Every organization is exposed, regardless of size or industry. Employees may receive a request to transfer money, change a payment account, send a file or disclose information. Education is therefore a key part of defense.

How to prepare employees to defend against BEC attacks

Train and test regularly

Conduct practical training and realistic simulations. They help employees recognize potential BEC attacks, respond without rushing and report suspicious messages. The results can show the organization’s level of exposure and guide additional risk-reduction measures.

Teach the warning signs

• an incorrect sender name or domain;
• a subject that creates urgency or pressure;
• an unusual communication style or request from a familiar person;
• a request for money, confidential data, a new payment account or an unexpected file;
• a suspicious link or a feeling that something is not right.

Write clear procedures

Document rules for passwords, confidential data, identity verification, payments, multi-factor authentication and reporting. Procedures should be easy to understand, kept up to date and available to every employee.

Practice and report

Verify employees’ practical knowledge periodically. Give them a simple way to report suspicious email to IT and encourage everyone to warn colleagues about current threats. Each employee should understand their role in the company’s security culture.

Effective BEC protection is continuous. It combines employee awareness, clear procedures and appropriate technology. Better preparation increases the chance of stopping an attack before it causes a financial loss.