For a business of any size, big or small, there is a chance that it could get the attention of cybercriminals. They seek to get to know your business and are meticulous in that process. They want to know about your employees, see what you do, and maybe even get to know your customers. Cybercriminals love your business because once they are in, they get access to sensitive data, financial assets, and the fear you have of a damaged reputation to be used and sold for their gain.
With Sophisticated Attacks Comes Research
Brute force tactics or random phishing emails are still prevalent, but cybercriminals are now seeking more subtle approaches. One of their essential tools is using Open-Source Intelligence (OSINT). OSINT involves collecting publicly available information through social media platforms and company websites, as well as leaked data from previous breaches. Cybercriminals scour this information to uncover the names, roles, interests, and communication habits of key employees within your company. They craft personalized, high-impact attacks using these details, preying on weak security practices, allowing them to bypass your defenses.
Paying Attention to Your Communications and Waiting
Once a cybercriminal has access to your account, they set the stage for business email compromise (BEC) by monitoring your communications. Emails, internal chats, and even social media posts where they scrutinize everything to identify patterns and potential vulnerabilities. They are looking for an opportunity to exploit your seemingly innocent interactions. For example, they may learn that a certain employee regularly corresponds with vendors, making that person an ideal target for their attack. They might also observe gaps in how communications are handled within your company, such as inconsistent verification processes when payments are made. This careful observation, combined with the information gathered through OSINT, allows cybercriminals to time their attack to perfection.
The Bigger Picture: Your Data and Reputation at Risk
While financial theft is a primary motive, the consequences of such attacks extend far beyond money. Cybercriminals may also steal sensitive company data, intellectual property, or customer information, putting your entire business at risk. The aftermath of such breaches can be devastating; customers lose trust, regulatory bodies impose fines, and the company’s reputation can be irreparably damaged.
So, in short, cybercriminals love your business not just because of the financial rewards they stand to gain but because they have become skilled in exploiting the wealth of publicly available information to launch highly effective and targeted attacks. Whether through OSINT, observing your communication patterns, or manipulating internal processes with BEC, these criminals are using your data against you. Proactively securing your business against these evolving threats is essential to safeguarding your financial assets and reputation.
IntelliSystems provides businesses with advanced email security solutions and expert guidance to protect against threats like email hijacking, account takeovers, and business email compromise (BEC). Our team of certified cybersecurity professionals is dedicated to helping you safeguard your communications and sensitive information and can identify the OSINT that may harm your business. If you’ve experienced a compromised email account or want to strengthen your defenses, contact us today for a comprehensive security assessment.
