Business Process Compromise (BPC) is a sophisticated type of cyberattack that targets and manipulates specific business processes within an organization to generate financial gain for the attackers. Unlike traditional data breaches that focus on stealing data, BPC involves altering the way business operations are conducted, often without immediate detection. This makes it particularly insidious, as the compromised processes continue to function normally on the surface while producing unintended outcomes that benefit the attackers.

Attackers engaging in BPC typically have a deep understanding of the target's internal operations and systems. They infiltrate the network and subtly modify processes such as account management, procurement, or payment systems. The goal is to exploit these processes for monetary profit, often by diverting funds or manipulating financial transactions. The discreet nature of these attacks makes them challenging to detect, as the altered processes appear to operate as usual, masking the underlying compromise.

How does Business Process Compromise Work?

Business Process Compromise (BPC) operates through a series of calculated steps that allow attackers to manipulate internal business processes for financial gain. Initially, attackers gain access to the target organization, often through vulnerabilities in the network or compromised email systems. Once inside, they conduct extensive internal reconnaissance to understand the organization's structure and workflows.

After mapping out the business processes, attackers identify specific vulnerabilities that can be exploited. This could involve altering payment systems, procurement processes, or account management systems. The manipulation is subtle, ensuring that the compromised processes continue to function normally on the surface while producing outcomes that benefit the attackers.

To maintain their foothold, attackers often employ sophisticated techniques to avoid detection. They may use keyloggers, malware, or even physical devices to intercept data and manipulate processes covertly. The goal is to remain undetected for as long as possible, allowing the attackers to continuously exploit the compromised processes and maximize their financial gain.

What are Examples of Business Process Compromise?

Examples of Business Process Compromise (BPC) are numerous and span various industries. One notable instance is the Bangladesh Central Bank heist, where attackers infiltrated the bank's network and manipulated the SWIFT financial platform to conduct unauthorized transactions, resulting in a loss of $81 million. Another example is the Antwerp Seaport hack, where cybercriminals compromised the port's container tracking system to smuggle drugs, bypassing port authorities undetected.

In the logistics sector, the Antwerp Seaport hack in 2013 stands out. Drug traffickers infiltrated the port's IT systems, allowing them to manipulate container movements and retrieve illegal substances without detection. Similarly, in the financial sector, the Tien Phong Bank incident in Vietnam saw attackers compromising SWIFT-related processes to attempt a fraudulent transfer of $1.3 million, highlighting vulnerabilities in the bank's operational processes.

What are the Potential Risks of Business Process Compromise?

Business Process Compromise (BPC) poses several significant risks to organizations. Here are some of the potential risks associated with suffering such an attack:

• Financial losses due to unauthorized transactions: Attackers can manipulate financial systems to divert funds, leading to substantial monetary losses.

• Operational disruptions impacting business continuity: Compromised processes can disrupt normal business operations, causing delays and inefficiencies.

• Reputational damage leading to loss of customer trust: Incidents of BPC can erode customer confidence, as clients may perceive the organization as insecure.

• Legal and regulatory consequences from data breaches: Failure to protect business processes can result in non-compliance with data protection laws, leading to fines and legal actions.

• Intellectual property theft resulting in competitive disadvantage: Manipulated processes can lead to the theft of sensitive information, giving competitors an unfair advantage.

How can you Protect Against Business Process Compromise?

Protecting against Business Process Compromise (BPC) requires a multi-faceted approach. Here are some key strategies:

• Conduct Regular Audits and Assessments: Regularly review and assess business processes to identify vulnerabilities and ensure compliance with security standards.

• Implement Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Use MFA to add an extra layer of security, making it harder for attackers to gain unauthorized access.

• Train Employees on Cybersecurity Awareness: Educate staff on recognizing and responding to potential threats, including social engineering attacks.

• Use Network Segmentation: Divide the network into segments to limit the spread of an attack and protect critical systems.

• Monitor for Anomalous Behavior: Employ behavior monitoring tools to detect and respond to unusual activities that may indicate a compromise.