When your account is used against you.
WHAT HAPPENS
Someone gains access to a business email account.
They watch conversations and intervene, usually around payments.
WHY IT IS DANGEROUS
Messages genuinely come from your address.
Nothing looks wrong.
HOW ACCOUNTS ARE COMPROMISED
Weak or reused passwords Credentials stolen from an infected computer Phishing
WHAT PREVENTS IT
Strong unique passwords Two-factor authentication on every mail account Not reusing passwords
WHAT TO WATCH FOR
Mail rules you did not create, forwarding or deleting messages Sent messages you did not send Logins from unexpected locations Colleagues receiving messages you did not send
THE MAIL RULE POINT
A common tactic: a rule hiding the fraudster's messages from you.
Check your rules.
WHAT TO DO IF COMPROMISED
Change the password immediately from a clean computer Remove unauthorised rules Check what was sent Warn anyone who may have received something Tell us
