How attackers exploit internal trust — and why you should check even “your” emails.
Some attacks don’t start by hacking your systems.
They start by hacking your trust.
A well-timed, convincing email that looks like it’s from your CEO, CFO, or team lead can do more damage than any malware — because it bypasses the firewall in your head:
“I know this person. I can trust this email.”
Why Fake CEO Emails Work
Cybercriminals use business email compromise (BEC) or CEO fraud because:
- People trust messages from higher-ups
- Urgent requests discourage double-checking
- Internal pressure makes employees act fast
The attacker doesn’t need to break in — just to look like they belong.
What They Usually Ask For
- Urgent wire transfers
“We’re closing a deal. Transfer $18,500 to this account today.” - Sensitive data
“Send me all employee tax forms for a quick review.” - Login credentials
“I can’t access the shared drive. Can you send me your link?” - Gift cards for ‘clients’
“We need $2,000 in Amazon cards today — send me the codes.”
These work because the requests sound reasonable in context — and because they appear to come from someone with authority.
How They Look So Real
Attackers can:
- Spoof email addresses to match your domain
- Use lookalike domains (e.g., john.s@conpаny.com with “n” instead of “m”)
- Forward old email threads for context
- Copy tone, signature, and formatting from public or stolen emails
Sometimes they’ve read your internal comms before striking — thanks to a compromised mailbox.
Why Even “Your” Letters Deserve Checking
You might think:
“If it’s from my CEO’s email, it must be real.”
Not anymore. If an account is compromised, the attacker can:
- Reply to existing threads
- Start new ones that look routine
- Insert malicious links or attachments in an ongoing conversation
In these cases, the danger isn’t spotting a fake domain — it’s spotting a fake request from a real account.
Simple Defenses That Actually Work
- Verify unusual requests
Call or message the sender through another channel, especially if it’s urgent or involves money/data. - Use strong authentication
Enable 2FA/MFA for all email accounts. - Watch the tone and timing
Is your CEO sending money requests at 11:47 PM on a Sunday? - Limit public details
Don’t list direct emails for execs publicly if you don’t have to. - Train for red flags
Run phishing simulations — include “internal” scenarios.
Final Thought
Fake CEO emails work because they use something no firewall can block: trust. That’s why prevention is less about technology — and more about verification habits.
Because in the moment, the question isn’t:
“Does this look like my CEO?”
It’s:
“Have I confirmed it is?”
