> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.material.security/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.material.security/learn-more/risk-areas/email-threats/detect/vip-impersonation.md).

# VIP Impersonation

VIP Impersonation occurs when a cyber-threat actor impersonates a prominent employee to obtain sensitive data.

By providing Material a list of VIPs as well as any potential known aliases or alternate display names, you'll enhance protections while also limiting false positives.

***

## Assign VIPs

You can assign and edit VIP status in two ways, both from the Explorer.

Each VIP Designation has a few fields:

* **Email**: the account's primary email address
* **Aliases**: known alternate email addresses (e.g. a personal email) if the VIP frequently uses this to send email to the corporate environment. Separate aliases with a comma then a space: `Alias1, Alias2` . Any aliases added are exempted from Material’s VIP Impersonation detections.
* **Display name variants:** variations of the user's display name, which attacker may attempt to impersonate. Material automatically suggests some that make sense. (E.g. `Lee Taylor` may be impersonated by an attacker with a display name of `Taylor, Lee`).

To add or review VIPs, first navigate to **Explorer** > **Accounts**.

### **Suggested VIPs**

1. A banner displays on the top with our suggestions. Click **Review**.&#x20;

   <figure><img src="/files/zWxqWdT4lxh3zm5GWmOS" alt="VIP impersonation review banner" width="563"><figcaption><p>VIP impersonation review banner</p></figcaption></figure>
2. From the summary, accept or dismiss suggestions. You can also remove suggested aliases and name variants before confirming.

<figure><img src="/files/vNFwn4n5wFRgT80DzwYw" alt=""><figcaption><p>Suggested VIPs review screen</p></figcaption></figure>

### **Assign or edit VIP status for a specific account**

1. From the accounts page, click an account row to open the Account details view.
2. Click **Settings**. &#x20;

   <figure><img src="/files/HTn4cAtCmtNxVJB43dr2" alt="account detail view click settings" width="261"><figcaption><p>Account Detail View</p></figcaption></figure>
3. Add any known aliases and display name variants.
4. Toggle **VIP Impersonation** to **On**, then **Save.**

<figure><img src="/files/rfxo9f8QKhFlsB60UpjZ" alt="Account settings showing aliases, display name variants, and the VIP Impersonation toggle"><figcaption><p>Account settings for VIP Impersonation</p></figcaption></figure>

{% hint style="warning" %}
**Which VIPs should you add?**

We recommend you add all current and previous executives, co-founders, board members, and potentially members of sensitive groups such as accounts payable.
{% endhint %}

## View all Vips

To view all your existing VIP accounts:

1. Navigate to **Explorer** > **Accounts**.
2. Filter to **VIP** > **Include**:&#x20;

<figure><img src="/files/1dzrohwDfNXFpkQBYEzw" alt="Accounts filter menu with VIP set to Include" width="185"><figcaption><p>Filter accounts to view VIPs</p></figcaption></figure>


---

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