CEO fraud does not rely on hacking or malware. Instead, cybercriminals use deception. With a convincing email, they persuade employees to voluntarily transfer large sums of money or disclose sensitive information.
In the e-learning CEO Fraud (Business Email Compromise), employees learn how this type of fraud works and why it is so effective. The course explains how attackers use email addresses that look almost identical to those of CEOs or directors, with differences so subtle they are easily overlooked.
Using real-world examples from the news, the course shows the potential impact of a single fraudulent request. One urgent email and one missed verification step can result in millions in losses. The course covers the most common CEO fraud scenarios, including payroll fraud, gift card scams, supplier invoice fraud and merger-and-acquisition fraud.
The focus is not only on recognition, but also on response. Participants learn to identify warning signs such as unusual urgency, secrecy, abnormal payment requests and subtle email anomalies. The course emphasises the importance of verifying requests through a second communication channel and strictly following internal financial procedures.
This e-learning makes it clear that CEO fraud can affect any organisation, but awareness and disciplined processes significantly reduce the risk.
What will participants learn?
After completing this course, participants will:
- understand what CEO fraud (BEC) is and how it works
- recognise common attack types, including payroll and supplier fraud
- identify red flags in suspicious emails
- know when and how to verify financial requests
- understand the importance of internal controls and approval processes
- know how to report suspected fraud correctly
Who is this course for?
This course is suitable for:
- employees in finance, HR and management
- staff with payment authority or administrative responsibilities
- organisations aiming to prevent financial fraud
- teams strengthening security awareness around email-based threats
Why this course is relevant right now
CEO fraud causes millions in losses every year across Europe. Attackers increasingly exploit trust and human decision-making rather than technical vulnerabilities. This course strengthens a critical defence: careful, verified decision-making for financial requests.