The threat of business email compromise (BEC) is real and ever-growing. Every day, businesses of all sizes and in all industries are targeted by cybercriminals looking to steal money or sensitive data. And while any organization can be compromised, some verticals are more frequently hit than others. So what makes these industries so vulnerable? In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the most commonly targeted industries and discuss why they’re prone to BEC attacks. We’ll also provide tips on how to defend your organization against such threats.
Small Businesses
Many small businesses undervalue IT and don’t appropriate the right amount of resources regarding cybersecurity. They also tend to have less secure systems and procedures in place, making them an easy target for cybercriminals. What’s more, small businesses often lack the manpower and expertise to effectively defend themselves against sophisticated attacks.
Healthcare
In the last three years, more than 90% of all healthcare organization report at least one breach related to cybersecurity. Healthcare organizations are especially vulnerable because they store large amounts of sensitive data, including patient records and financial information. They’re also often reliant on outdated systems and lack the necessary resources to invest in strong security measures.
Retail
Retailers are another industry that’s frequently targeted by cybercriminals. This is due in part to the fact that they store large amounts of customer data, including credit card information and personal details. Additionally, many retailers use point-of-sale (POS) systems that are easy to hack into. Cybercriminals can also take advantage of the fact that retail employees often have little training when it comes to cybersecurity.
Education
Education institutions are also popular targets for BEC attacks. This is because they typically have large amounts of data, including student records and financial information. They also tend to use outdated systems and lack the necessary resources to invest in strong security measures.
Government Agencies
Government agencies often store copious amounts of PII (personally identifiable information) making them a prime target for cyberattacks. In addition, many government agencies use legacy systems that are no longer supported by security patches, making them more vulnerable to attack.
Tips for Defending Against BEC Attacks
Now that we’ve looked at some of the most vulnerable industries to BEC attacks, let’s discuss some tips on how to defend your organization against such threats:
-Educate your employees about BEC attacks and how to identify them.
-Implement a multi-layered security solution that includes email filtering.
-Regularly back up your data so you can quickly recover in the event of an attack.
-Monitor your system for unusual activity and investigate any suspicious activity immediately.
By following these tips, you can help protect your organization from becoming the victim of a BEC attack.
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