The problem is not malware
Many of the costliest attacks do not use sophisticated viruses.
They use trust.
Business Email Compromise (BEC) is exactly that:
an attack that exploits credible emails to obtain wire transfers,
access, or confidential information.
How it works
The attacker studies the company.
They understand roles, relationships, and processes.
Then they impersonate:
and send requests that appear perfectly normal.
The classic case
“An urgent wire transfer is needed.”
“I’m sending you the new IBAN.”
“I need this access immediately.”
The request seems real,
arrives at the right moment,
and is often executed without suspicion.
Why it is so dangerous
Because often there is no malware involved.
No antivirus is triggered.
It is a compromise of trust.
And by the time the problem is noticed,
the money has already left.
How to truly defend yourself
A combined strategy is needed:
An antispam filter is not enough.
Reputational damage
When a BEC attack hits,
the damage is not just financial.
It becomes lost trust with clients,
suppliers, and management.
Conclusion
The right question is not:
“could it happen?”
but:
“how quickly would we recognize it?”