The Growing Threat of Business Email Compromise (BEC): What Lawyers and Solo Practitioners Need to Know

Email is the backbone of modern legal practices; as a matter of fact, it is the backbone of any business. From communicating with clients to managing case files and coordinating staff, it keeps your law firm running smoothly. But as powerful as email is, it also opens the door to serious risks. One of the fastest growing and most dangerous cyber threats today is Business Email Compromise (BEC).

For law firms, solo practitioners, and immigration attorneys, understanding BEC is not optional, it’s essential. These attacks can result in financial losses, compromised client data, and long-lasting reputational damage.

What Is Business Email Compromise (BEC)?

A Business Email Compromise (BEC) attack occurs when cybercriminals impersonate trusted individuals within your firm, partners, executives, or IT staff, to manipulate employees into:

• Transferring funds to fraudulent accounts
• Sharing confidential client or case information
• Granting access to sensitive systems

These attacks are highly effective because they exploit one of the most powerful human tendencies: trust. Staff members are trained to respond quickly to senior leadership, especially when the request seems urgent. BEC attackers use this urgency against your team, often leaving no room for second-guessing.

BEC by the Numbers: Why Law Firms Are at Risk

BEC attacks are on the rise, particularly targeting small businesses and legal practices where a single mistake can have huge consequences.

Recent research analyzing 1.8 billion emails worldwide found 208 million malicious messages, with over 58% linked to BEC attacks. These numbers reveal a sobering truth: BEC scams have now surpassed phishing and ransomware as the leading email-based threat.

Trends every law firm should note:

• Targeting lower-level employees: Junior staff and administrative assistants are often the first line of communication, making them prime targets.
• Rapid growth: BEC attacks surged dramatically in 2024, especially in Q3.
• Financial and reputational impact: Even a single successful BEC attempt can cost a small law firm tens of thousands of dollars and damage client trust for years.

The Broader Email Threat Landscape

BEC is just one piece of the puzzle. Legal practices also face other email-based threats, including:

• Phishing attacks: Fraudulent emails designed to steal login credentials, client data, or firm financial information.
• Malware and ransomware: Malicious software can lock down files, disrupt case management, or spread across your firm’s network.
• Commercial spam and scams: Seemingly innocent emails may carry links to malicious sites or hidden malware.

This evolving threat landscape requires vigilance and a multi-layered approach to email security.

How DMARC Protects Your Law Firm

One of the most effective ways to secure your firm’s email is by implementing DMARC (Domain-based Message Authentication, Reporting & Conformance).

DMARC works by verifying that incoming emails claiming to be from your domain are legitimate. Combined with SPF (Sender Policy Framework) and DKIM (DomainKeys Identified Mail), DMARC:

• Prevents email spoofing: Stops attackers from sending emails that appear to come from your firm.
• Reduces BEC risks: Makes it harder for cybercriminals to impersonate partners or staff.
• Provides visibility: Generates reports showing who is sending emails using your domain, helping you detect potential threats early.

For solo practitioners and small law firms, DMARC is a powerful, low-maintenance tool that strengthens your email defenses and reassures clients that your communications are authentic.

The Cost of Falling Victim to BEC

A successful BEC attack can be devastating:

• Financial losses: Fraudulent transfers or payment redirection can cost thousands—or even hundreds of thousands—of dollars.
• Data breaches: Sensitive client files, case details, and financial information may be exposed.
• Reputation damage: A breach can erode client trust and deter potential new clients.

Recovery can take months and distract your team from serving clients and growing your practice.

Protecting Your Law Firm from BEC and Email Threats

Preventing BEC and other email attacks requires a combination of technology, training, and process. Key strategies include:

1. Educate and Train Your Team

Employees are your first line of defense. Train staff to recognize suspicious emails and encourage a “pause and verify” approach for any unusual or urgent requests. Role-playing exercises and simulated phishing tests can be highly effective.

2. Implement Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)

MFA adds an extra layer of security for all email accounts and critical systems. Even if a password is compromised, MFA prevents unauthorized access.

3. Deploy Advanced Email Security Tools

Invest in AI-powered email filters that detect patterns typical of BEC attacks. Look for solutions that integrate DMARC, SPF, and DKIM, ensuring maximum email authentication protection.

4. Establish Clear Reporting Protocols

Make it easy for employees to report suspicious emails immediately. Prompt reporting ensures threats are investigated before they escalate.

5. Regularly Review Security Policies

Update your firm’s cybersecurity policies to address new threats and ensure that all staff understand them. Include procedures for verifying unusual requests, handling client data, and managing sensitive financial transactions.

6. Monitor Domain and Email Activity

With DMARC reports, you can monitor who is sending emails from your domain. This helps detect suspicious activity early and prevents impersonation attempts from reaching clients or staff.

What to Do If You Suspect a BEC Attack

If an email seems off, follow these steps immediately:

1. Stop and assess: Look for unusual requests, urgent financial transfers, or sensitive data requests.
2. Verify the sender: Contact them using a trusted phone number or email—never reply to the suspicious message.
3. Report quickly: Notify your IT or security team to prevent further damage.

Acting fast can be the difference between stopping an attack and suffering significant losses.

Partner with Professionals for Complete Email Security

At MoreMax Inc., we specialize in protecting law firms, solo practitioners, and immigration attorneys from email-based threats. Our solutions include:

• Advanced email security, including DMARC setup and monitoring
• Employee cybersecurity training tailored to legal practices
• Ongoing IT monitoring and support to keep your firm safe and compliant

We help legal professionals stay ahead of cybercriminals so you can focus on serving clients, growing your practice, and maintaining trust.

Ready to secure your firm’s email and safeguard client data? Contact MoreMax Inc. today and take the first step toward a safer, more resilient practice.