Cybercrime is a growing threat and one of the most common forms is something called Business Email Compromise (BEC).
BEC happens when cybercriminals gain unauthorized access to your email account and use it to trick others into believing they’re you. They do this by stealing your username and password, often through fake emails (known as phishing) or unsafe websites.
Once inside your email, they can:
Be alert if you notice any of the following:
Always install the latest updates for your computer’s operating system and antivirus software.
Your password should be at least 8 characters and include uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. Don’t use the same password for different accounts
This reduces the risk if one gets compromised.
Log in and make sure no unfamiliar changes have been made—like automatic email forwarding or unknown rules.
If anything looks suspicious, change your password right away and set a secondary recovery email.
Don’t check your email on shared or public computers—they might be infected with hidden viruses or spyware.
Avoid posting your main email on social media, forums, or websites. Use a separate “public” email if needed.
If your email was used to send spam or scams, inform your contacts right away so they don't fall for it.
Cybercriminals are getting smarter, but so can you. Keep learning, stay alert, and follow good cybersecurity habits to protect yourself and those around you.