What is Business Email Compromise?
Business email compromise (BEC) is a cyber attack involving unauthorized access and use of a school’s email account. BEC attacks are typically carried out by hackers who gain access to a school’s email account through phishing or other means and then use the account to send fraudulent emails to the school’s customers or suppliers.
Why is this important?
BEC attacks can have serious consequences for schools, including financial losses and damage to reputation. They often involve the theft of sensitive information, such as login credentials or financial data, which can be used to steal money or commit other crimes, such as Invoice redirection.
How do I protect my school?
To protect against BEC attacks, schools should implement a robust cybersecurity strategy that includes the following key elements:
- Strong passwords: Strong and unique passwords are essential for protecting against BEC attacks. Businesses should ensure that all employees use strong and unique passwords for their email accounts and should regularly update them to reduce the risk of unauthorized access.
- Two-factor authentication: Two-factor authentication (2FA) is a security measure that requires users to provide two forms of authentication when logging into an account. This can help prevent BEC attacks by making it more difficult for hackers to access email accounts.
- Staff training and awareness: Cybersecurity training can help staff understand the importance of strong and unique passwords and to use best practices when creating and updating their passwords. It can also teach staff how to recognize and avoid phishing emails, which are often used to deliver BEC attacks.
Safeguarding against business email compromise (BEC) is essential for school. BEC attacks can have serious consequences, including financial losses, damage to reputation, and regulatory penalties.
By taking these steps, schools can reduce the risk of BEC attacks and protect themselves from negative consequences.
