The attackers executed their scheme by registering fraudulent domains that closely mimicked SM5’s official website. In one case, they altered the word “developments” by replacing the letter “m” with the characters “r” and “n,” creating a domain that appeared almost identical to the human eye. In another instance, they substituted the “p” in “SM5Developments” with a “q,” producing a domain capable of deceiving even the most vigilant customers.

Using these fake domains, the cybercriminals created email addresses designed to impersonate SM5. These criminals then attempted to convince key customers in updating their SM5 bank details, with the aim of redirecting substantial sums to fraudulent accounts. The potential financial loss to SM5 was significant, totalling £1.46 million.

SM5 Developments had already implemented CyberProtect’s threat detection tools, which provided a crucial advantage. Dark Web Monitoring and ID Guard are designed to identify suspicious domain registrations as soon as they appear. Although the attackers did not create active websites using the fake domains, CyberProtect’s systems detected the subtle changes in the domain names and issued immediate alerts.

This early warning enabled SM5 to respond quickly. They promptly informed their customers and ensured that no unauthorised changes were made to payment details. While no spoofed emails were intercepted directly, the timely detection of suspicious domain registrations gave SM5 valuable time to neutralise the threat before it escalated.

The outcome? Zero losses, no unauthorised payments, and a crystal-clear demonstration of how proactive cybersecurity investments pay for themselves many times over. SM5 protected not only £1.46 million in payments, but also their reputation and customer trust.

Demi Clinch, Sales Director of CyberProtect, highlighted the case as a clear example of how early detection tools can prevent substantial financial losses. She emphasised that their technology helps businesses act before threats fully materialise and that ongoing innovation in this area remains a top priority.

SM5 Developments’ experience highlights the growing threat of cybercrime and the importance of proactive protection. By investing in CyberProtect’s monitoring and detection tools before an attack occurred, they successfully avoided a potentially devastating financial loss.

In today’s modern age, it is no longer a matter of if a company will be targeted, but when. CyberProtect enables businesses to prepare for that moment and to act swiftly when it comes.