Email, once heralded as an obsolete mode of communication, continues to thrive in the business world, albeit with a darker side. Over the years, cybercriminals have found unprecedented success in exploiting email as a powerful tool for hacking.
Among their arsenal of tactics, the most dangerous yet effective one is the use of seemingly legitimate links concealed within seemingly harmless emails. These deceptive emails have played a pivotal role in orchestrating some of the largest hacks of recent years – such as the infamous 2022 breach of Twilio, a major communications company, and the equally disturbing hack on Reddit that unfolded last year.
Although some malicious emails can still be easily identified due to glaring red flags like typos or suspicious email addresses, hackers have grown more sophisticated, making it increasingly difficult for recipients to distinguish a legitimate email from a fraudulent one.
A prime example of this is the rising prominence of Business Email Compromise (BEC) attacks. This form of email-based attack targets organizations of all sizes, aiming to exploit their financial resources or extract critical information. Hackers employ tactics such as impersonating trusted individuals like co-workers, bosses, or business partners to deceive victims into unknowingly divulging sensitive data.
The potential impact of such attacks on businesses, especially startups, cannot be overstated. In the United States alone, individuals fell victim to BEC scams, losing nearly $3 billion last year.
As the world becomes increasingly interconnected, it is crucial for organizations to stay vigilant and continuously adapt their security measures to combat the evolving threat posed by email-based hacking.