August 18, 2025
While you and your team might be returning from vacation, cybercriminals remain relentless. Research from ProofPoint and Check Point reveals that phishing attacks actually surge during summer months. Here's how you can stay vigilant and safeguard your business.
Why Are Cyber Threats Rising in Summer?
Hackers exploit the summer travel season by mimicking hotel and Airbnb websites, according to Check Point Research. They reported a 55% rise in new vacation-related website domains in May 2025 compared to last year. Out of over 39,000 domains registered, 1 in 21 were identified as malicious or suspicious.
Additionally, late summer marks back-to-school season, triggering a spike in phishing scams impersonating university emails targeting students and staff. Even if your industry isn’t directly affected, employees checking personal emails on work devices can inadvertently expose your entire organization to cyberattacks.
How to Protect Your Business
While AI enhances cybersecurity defenses, it also enables more convincing phishing schemes. Training your team to recognize threats is crucial to prevent accidental clicks on malicious links.
Follow these essential safety tips to reduce risk:
• Vigilantly scrutinize suspicious emails. Don’t rely solely on spotting typos or odd formatting; AI can craft convincing messages. Verify sender addresses and hover over links to confirm legitimacy.
• Verify URLs carefully. Watch for misspellings or unusual domain extensions like .today or .info, which are common in scam sites.
• Access websites directly. Instead of clicking links in emails or messages, type the website address yourself to avoid phishing traps.
• Activate Multifactor Authentication (MFA). MFA adds a critical layer of protection, securing your accounts even if login credentials are compromised.
• Use caution on public WiFi. When accessing sensitive information on public networks, always connect through a VPN for enhanced security.
• Avoid checking personal emails on work devices. Mixing personal and business accounts increases vulnerability. Keep personal activities on personal devices.
• Consult your MSP about endpoint security solutions. Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) software can monitor devices, block threats, and alert your managed service provider immediately if a breach occurs, minimizing data exposure.
Phishing tactics grow more sophisticated daily, accelerated by AI advancements. The best defense is a well-informed team. Stay updated, stay alert, and protect your business!
Kick off the season with confidence - click here or call us at (336) 443-0061 to schedule your FREE 15-Minute Discovery Call today.
