Business Email Compromise: Warning Signs and Controls

Recognize common business email compromise patterns and layer technical controls with resilient payment and identity processes.

Recognize the Business Pattern

Attackers exploit trusted conversations, urgent requests, and changes to payment details. The message may contain no malicious link or attachment.

Layer Technical Protections

Use strong authentication, domain protection, mailbox auditing, and anomaly detection. Technical controls reduce opportunity but cannot replace transaction verification.

Make Verification Routine

Require an independent channel for sensitive changes and unusual payments. A consistent process gives employees permission to pause even when a request appears senior or urgent.

Next Steps

Use this guidance as a starting point, assign clear ownership, and validate the approach against your organization’s systems, risks, and operating constraints.