6 Cybersecurity Business Ideas to Protect Against Email Compromise

Companies of all sizes are being targeted by criminals through business email compromise scams. In these scams, cybercriminals gain access to an employee’s legitimate business email through social engineering or computer intrusion. The criminal then impersonates the employee often a senior executive or someone who can authorize payments and instructs others to transfer funds on their behalf. According to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center, over $10 billion has been lost by victims in the U.S. due to these scams.
“Any business that conducts transactions overseas or regularly performs wire transfers should stay alert for these scams,” said Certified Information Security Manager Margo Leiter. “Companies can protect themselves and their employees by using alternative communication channels to verify any large transaction requests and by educating their employees on potential red flags of fraud.”

Tips to Mitigate Cybersecurity Risks for Businesses

We recommend these cybersecurity tips to help businesses and employees avoid business email compromise:

Educate your employees

You and your employees are the first line of defense against business email compromise. A strong security program paired with employee education about the warning signs, safe practices, and responses to a suspected takeover are essential to protecting your company and customers.

Protect your online environment

It is important to protect your cyber environment just as you would your cash and physical location. Do not use unprotected internet connections. Encrypt sensitive data and keep updated virus protections on your computer. Use complex passwords and change them periodically.

Use alternative communication channels to verify significant requests

Have multiple methods outside of email – such as phone numbers or alternate email addresses – established in advance through which you can contact the person making the request to ensure it is valid.

Be wary of sudden changes in business practices or contacts

If an employee, customer or vendor suddenly asks to be contacted via their personal e-mail address, verify the request through known, official and previously used correspondence as the request could be fraudulent.

Be wary of requests marked “urgent” or “confidential”

Fraudsters will often instill a sense of urgency, fear, or secrecy to compel the employee to facilitate the request without consulting others. Use an alternative communication channel outside of email to confirm the request.

Use a Secure Business Online Banking Vendor

Partner with your bank to prevent unauthorized transactions. Talk to your banker about programs that safeguard you from unauthorized transactions such as callbacks, device authentication and multi-person approval processes.

Your Business Expenses Shouldn't Include Paying for Compromised Data

If you fall victim to a business email compromise scam contact your financial institution immediately to notify them about the fraudulent transfer and request that they contact the institution where the fraudulent transfer was sent. Our family of banks is founded on a history of trust. Contact us to learn about our online banking options for business accounts.