The One-Click Disaster: How to Protect Your Business
The Three Emails That Can Destroy Your Business
The spam you see is just the tip of the iceberg. The real danger lies in three types of emails designed to look legitimate.
1. The Imposter Email (Ransomware & Malware)
This is an email that looks like it’s from a trusted source, like a shipping notification from Amazon or an invoice from a vendor. It has an attachment or a link. You click it, and suddenly, a virus silently installs itself, locking up all your company files. You then get a ransom note demanding thousands of dollars to get your data back. Your business is completely paralyzed. … until you pay
2. The Fake Login Email (Phishing)
You get an urgent email that looks exactly like it’s from Microsoft, your bank, or another service you use. It says your account is locked or there’s a security alert, and you need to click a link to verify your identity. You click, enter your password on a fake page, and the hackers now have the keys to your kingdom. They can access your files, contacts, and financial information. Again… nothing you can do about it… except change all your passwords.
3. The Fake Invoice Email (Business Email Compromise)
This is the most clever and costly attack. A hacker will watch your email, learn who you do business with, and then send your bookkeeper an invoice that looks identical to one from a real vendor. The only thing they change is the bank account number on the invoice. Your company pays what it thinks is a legitimate bill, but the money goes straight to a criminal’s overseas account. And once it’s gone, it’s gone.
This is modern-day forgery.