August 18, 2025
While you and your team return from vacation, cybercriminals remain relentlessly active. Research from ProofPoint and Check Point reveals a notable rise in phishing attacks during summer months. Here's how to stay vigilant and protect your business.
Why Are Threats Increasing?
Cyber attackers exploit the summer travel season by mimicking hotel and Airbnb websites, according to Check Point Research. They report a 55% surge in new vacation-related domain registrations in May 2025 compared to last year, with over 39,000 domains created—one in every 21 marked as malicious or suspicious.
Additionally, late summer brings back-to-school phishing scams targeting universities, students, and staff. Even if your industry isn't directly affected, employees checking personal emails on work devices can inadvertently expose your entire business to cyber threats.
How to Protect Yourself
While AI enhances cybersecurity defenses, it also enables more sophisticated phishing scams. Training your team to recognize threats is crucial to avoid falling victim.
Essential safety tips to guard against attacks:
• Vigilantly scrutinize suspicious emails. Don't rely solely on spotting misspellings or poor grammar—AI can craft convincing messages. Check sender addresses and visible link texts carefully to verify authenticity.
• Verify URLs thoroughly. Watch for misspelled links or unusual domain extensions like .today or .info, common in scam sites.
• Access websites directly. Instead of clicking links in emails, manually enter website addresses to avoid phishing traps.
• Activate Multifactor Authentication (MFA). MFA adds an extra security layer, protecting your credentials and sensitive data even if a breach occurs.
• Exercise caution with public WiFi. Use a VPN when connecting to public networks, especially when handling sensitive information like bookings or financial accounts.
• Avoid checking personal emails on work devices. Mixing personal and business accounts on the same device increases risk. Keep personal accounts on personal devices.
• Consult your MSP about endpoint security. Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) tools monitor devices, block phishing attempts, and alert your MSP instantly during breaches, minimizing data exposure.
Phishing techniques are evolving rapidly, fueled by AI advances. Staying educated and alert is your strongest defense. Keep your team informed and maintain robust security practices.
Kick off the season with confidence—click here or give us a call at 760-770-5200 your FREE Quick and Easy Call today.
