Cyber threats aren’t always apparent. In fact, some of the most dangerous attacks happen quietly, slipping past users without raising alarms. One of the most deceptive examples is Business Email Compromise (BEC), which is a tactic where cyber criminals gain access to legitimate business email accounts and use them to manipulate conversations, steal data, or redirect funds.
What makes BEC so dangerous is its subtlety. These emails often look real, coming from known contacts, and contain familiar language. Once a user clicks a link or opens an attachment, the attacker can silently take control of the account. And one of the first things they typically do? Create malicious inbox rules.
What Are Inbox Rules & Why Do They Matter?
Inbox rules are automated settings that help users manage incoming emails. They can automatically move messages to folders, mark them as read, or forward them to another address. While helpful for productivity, these rules can be weaponized by threat actors to hide their presence.
In a BEC attack, inbox rules are often used to redirect or delete security alerts and internal communications. This allows attackers to maintain access without detection. Most users don’t regularly check their inbox rules, which makes this tactic especially effective.
Why Proactive Cybersecurity Is Essential
The key to stopping BEC attacks isn’t just having security tools, it’s knowing how to use them proactively. At Blackink IT, we configure and monitor systems behind the scenes to detect unusual behavior before it becomes a problem. That includes flagging inbox rule changes, identifying suspicious login attempts, and investigating anomalies that users may never notice.
Education also plays a critical role. When users understand how BEC works and what signs to look for, they become an active part of the defense. A proactive mindset across your organization can be the difference between catching a threat early or dealing with the fallout later.
Final Thoughts
Business Email Compromise is becoming more sophisticated, but so are the tools and strategies to stop it. By combining intelligent monitoring, thoughtful configurations, and ongoing user awareness, your business can stay ahead of silent threats.
Don’t wait for a breach to wake up your defenses. We challenge you to start now, review your inbox rules regularly, commit to cybersecurity awareness training, and take proactive steps to protect your organization form BEC. Blackink IT is ready to assist you. Security isn’t optional, and investing in it today means peace of mind tomorrow.
