Email is one of the most widely used forms of communication for businesses. However, it also represents a significant vulnerability. Business email compromise (BEC) is a sophisticated form of cybercrime that exploits the trust and efficiency of email communications. This glossary entry will define BEC, explore its implications for email marketing, and examine the types and examples of BEC in a marketing context.
Definition of business email compromise
Business email compromise is a type of cybercrime where attackers manipulate email systems to impersonate legitimate individuals or organizations. The goal of BEC is to deceive recipients into taking actions that benefit the attacker, such as transferring funds, sharing sensitive information, or providing access to systems.
Unlike other forms of cyberattacks that rely on malicious software, BEC often relies on social engineering tactics to exploit human vulnerabilities. For example, attackers might impersonate a CEO, vendor, or trusted partner to make their requests appear legitimate. BEC scams can affect organizations of all sizes and industries, often resulting in financial losses and reputational damage.
How business email compromise is used in marketing
BEC is not only a threat to financial transactions or sensitive data but also a growing concern in marketing. Marketers are responsible for handling large volumes of data, engaging with external partners, and launching campaigns—all of which make them prime targets for BEC. Cybercriminals exploit the trust marketers build with their audiences, vendors, and internal stakeholders to achieve their goals.
In marketing, BEC can be used to:
- Phish for customer data: Attackers may impersonate a marketing team member or agency to request sensitive customer data, such as email addresses, payment details, or login credentials.
- Disrupt campaigns: Hackers may manipulate or halt marketing campaigns by gaining unauthorized access to marketing tools or impersonating stakeholders to derail projects.
- Divert payments: Criminals could impersonate vendors, freelancers, or agencies to reroute payments for services or campaigns to fraudulent accounts.
- Damage brand reputation: If attackers distribute false messages or malware under the guise of a trusted marketing entity, it can severely damage brand trust and credibility.
Types of business email compromise in marketing
There are several types of BEC that are particularly relevant in the marketing context:
- CEO fraud
Attackers impersonate a senior executive or marketing leader, such as a Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) or Chief Executive Officer (CEO), to instruct team members to make urgent payments or share proprietary data. The pressure of urgency often leads to mistakes. - Vendor or partner impersonation
Cybercriminals pose as trusted vendors, agencies, or freelancers that marketing teams frequently work with. They request updates to payment information or access to marketing platforms. - Invoice scams
Fake invoices for marketing services or tools are sent to marketing departments, requesting payment to fraudulent accounts. - Account takeover
Attackers gain access to a legitimate email account of a marketing team member and use it to distribute phishing emails or send unauthorized messages to customers, vendors, or other team members. - Phishing for campaign data
Scammers send emails pretending to be interested customers, partners, or journalists to trick marketers into providing access to campaign data or customer lists.
Wrapping up
Business email compromise represents a growing threat not only to financial transactions but also to the marketing domain. Marketers, as custodians of sensitive customer data and significant budgets, are prime targets for attackers leveraging email-based scams. By understanding the types and examples of BEC, organizations can better prepare to defend against these threats.
Protecting against BEC requires a combination of technical safeguards, such as email authentication protocols and employee training to recognize phishing attempts and verify unusual requests. In marketing, it’s particularly important to maintain vigilance, as the trust and credibility built with audiences can quickly erode if exploited through a BEC attack. By prioritizing cybersecurity measures and fostering a culture of awareness, businesses can mitigate the risks associated with BEC and safeguard their marketing operations.
