Businesses are increasingly exposed to sophisticated cyberattacks that seek to exploit their vulnerabilities. BEC (Business Email Compromise) attacks have become one of the biggest threats to organizations of all sizes.
The main format of this type of fraud is social engineering: cybercriminals impersonate a senior manager to deceive employees and suppliers, achieving fraudulent money transfers or the theft of critical information.
The problem is that these attacks depend not on technical vulnerabilities but human errors and insecure processes.The risk is multiplied if senior executives are targeted: their access to privileged information and decision-making capacity make them perfect targets.
How can companies protect themselves? The answer lies in continuous management of exposure to threats. This is where solutions such as Kartos by Enthec come into play: a cyber-surveillance tool that allows companies to identify risks before they become serious incidents. But before discussing solutions, let’s look at why BEC-type attacks are so successful among senior managers.
Why are senior managers the preferred target in BEC attacks?
Cybercriminals seek to maximize their profitability with as little effort as possible. Senior managers offer the perfect combination of authority, access to sensitive data, and a high volume of financial communications.
Here are some key reasons why BEC-type attacks are so successful in this profile:
1. High level of trust in your communications
Managers are used to having great responsibility and often must make quick decisions.For this reason, they may not question every email they receive, especially if it comes from a regular contact. Attackers use this trust to sneak into the daily routine without raising suspicion.
2. Frequent use of personal devices
Many executives use their mobile phones or tablets to access corporate email without the same security measures as on a company computer. This facilitates unauthorized access and spoofing.
3. High workload and urgency in decisions
Senior managers are often overloaded with tasks and under pressure to respond quickly. Cybercriminals use tactics such as a “sense of urgency” to get users to act without verifying the authenticity of an email or payment request.
4. Public profiles on the internet and social networks
Information about a CEO or CFO is usually available online: interviews, LinkedIn posts, events in which they participate, etc. This helps attackers build extremely credible fake emails, using language and tone similar to the manager’s.
5. Lack of specific cybersecurity training
Unlike other employees, executives rarely receive ongoing training in digital security.Their position in the company often results in them being excluded from these processes, making them a weak link in the security chain.
How to Mitigate BEC Attacks on Senior Managers
Prevention is the key to avoiding falling for a BEC attack. Companies must combine awareness, technology, and security protocols to reduce exposure to these threats.
Here are some fundamental measures:
1. Implement a Continuous Threat Exposure Management (CTEM) solution
CTEM tools allow real-time analysis of threats targeting the company and its managers. For example, at Kartos, we constantly monitor the company’s level of exposure, detecting impersonation attempts or data leaks that could facilitate a BEC attack.
2. Strict verification of sensitive transactions
Businesses must establish two-factor authentication to authorize payments or changes to bank accounts. An email is not enough; It must be confirmed by phone or through a secure system.
3. Protecting the digital identity of senior managers
It is crucial to minimize public information about them on the internet and social networks and to locate sensitive personal information that may be exposed. In addition, they must use corporate email addresses with authentication protocols such as DMARC, SPF, and DKIM to prevent spoofing.
4. Continuous training and attack simulations
Managers should participate in phishing simulations and receive specific cybersecurity training. This will help them identify fraudulent emails and react appropriately to attack attempts.
You may be interested in→ Phishing: what it is and how many types there are.
5. Using Artificial Intelligence to Detect Anomalies
Advanced security systems can identify suspicious communication patterns and block phishing emails before they reach the user’s inbox. They also identify online identity theft campaigns, as Kartos AI does, to monitor them until they are deactivated.
Protect your company with Kartos
BEC attacks continue to grow in number and sophistication, but the solution is not only strengthening technical security but also proactively managing threat exposure.
With Kartos, companies can monitor their presence on the network in real time and detect warning signs before attackers manage to impersonate a senior manager. This cyber surveillance and continuous threat management platform allows fraud to be prevented, sensitive data to be protected, and the risks arising from digital exposure to be minimised.
Want to learn more about protecting your business from BEC attacks? Find out how Kartos can help.