Business Email Compromise (BEC) and Malware Attacks Prevention Guide

Business Email Compromise – Email Security – Malware Prevention – These are all urgent business concerns in 2023. BEC attacks are being utilized by cybercriminals to deploy malware and exfiltrate sensitive information. Without strong security, your business could be in serious danger.

What is a BEC Attack?

A BEC attack occurs when hackers impersonate a trusted person within a business in an effort to manipulate employees into making payments or exceeding data limits. They typically impersonate emails from CEOs, vendors, or partners, rendering them realistic.

• Attackers conforming to corporate business email habits.
• Generate phony email accounts that look like actual email accounts.
• They request payment or sensitive information urgently.
• Businesses lose money or sensitive data if employees fall for it.

BEC attacks exploit human trust rather than technological vulnerabilities, so they can be hard to spot. And it gets worse—hackers are using BEC emails to deliver business internal malware.

How Malware Spreads via BEC

In short, BEC attacks are not only about stealing money or data anymore. These emails now have malware attached to them by many cybercriminals. Here’s how they do it:

1. Malicious Attachments – Hackers email invoices, contracts, or payroll files containing hidden malware. Malware then spreads through their system the moment somebody opens these files.
2. Phishing Links – In these types of emails, you will be given a link to a fake website, where you need to provide the login details. Once hackers have the codes, they seize control of your account.
3. Compromised Accounts – If they gain access to a single email account, attackers send more malicious emails within the organization, affecting several systems.
4. Ransomware Attacks – Some malware encrypts files and then asks for a fee to unlock them, resulting in enormous losses.

The scary part? These emails all appear completely authentic. If employees receive no training, they may click thoughtlessly, resulting in a full-blown cyberattack.

Best Email Security Practices

So how do we prevent these BEC and malware attacks? The strongest protection is prevention. Here’s what all businesses need to be doing:

1. Implement Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)

• Even with your password, if hackers get yours, they can’t log in without a second verification step.
• Secure all email accounts with MFA for an additional layer of security.

2. Train Employees to Recognize Phishing Emails

• Be wary of urgent appeals for money or sensitive information.
• Look at the sender’s full email address – fake emails can have slight changes in spelling.
• Move your mouse over links before you click to see where they go.
• If an email requests a financial transaction, make sure to verify by phone before acting on the request.

3. Banish Harmful Attachments and Links

• Create Email Filters to Catch & Delete Malicious Files.
• Never enable macros in documents unless you trust that they’re safe.
• Address sandboxing tools that screen email attachments prior to reaching employees.

4. Strengthen Password Management

• Do not reuse passwords across different accounts.
• Create strong passwords and use a password manager.
• Rotate sensitive passwords periodically to prevent unauthorized access.

5. Update Email Software and Security Systems

• Old software is an easy target for cybercriminals. Always apply the latest security patches.
• Implement endpoint protection software that can identify and block malware.

6. Deploy DMARC, DKIM, and SPF

• Email Spoofing Protection: These email authentication tools work to help combat email spoofing.
• They validate incoming emails, lowering the chances of phishing.

7. Keep an Eye on Erratic Login Behavior

• Create alerts if users log in from unknown locations or fail to log in multiple times.
• If you see unusual activity, change passwords immediately and investigate.

While no security system is foolproof, implementing these strategies lowers your risk and protects your business from cyber threats.

PJ Networks’ BEC & Malware Protection Services

At PJ Networks, we know that malware attacks and Business Email Compromise can be very damaging. That is why we provide cutting-edge email security solutions purpose-built to eliminate threats before they ever land in your inbox.

Why Choose PJ Networks?

• AI-Driven Email Filtering – Filters out phishing emails, spam, and attachments containing malware.
• 24/7 Threat Monitoring – Our team monitors for suspicious activity and acts before it’s too late.
• Security Awareness Training – Educating your employees on recognizing and preventing phishing initiatives.
• Incident Response & Recovery – In the event of an attack, we help you contain it and quickly restore operations.
• Updates & Patch Management – We ensure your security systems are regularly up-to-date and protected against new threats.

Better not wait for a cyberattack to take place. Get protected from PJ Networks today – we have you covered.

Conclusion

Business Email Compromise, Email Security, Malware Prevention – These are all issues that contemporary businesses must face. Cybercriminals continue to become smarter by sending BEC emails to deploy malware, take funds, and breach sensitive data. But you should not have to be a victim.

Training employees, implementing strong security practices, and joining industry experts such as PJ Networks is a more cost-effective approach to preventing costly cyberattacks before they wreak havoc. To secure your enterprise, it is vital to take measures today.