August 18, 2025
Even as you and your team return from summer vacations, cybercriminals remain relentlessly active. Studies from ProofPoint and Check Point reveal that phishing attacks surge during the summer months. Here's how to stay vigilant and safeguard your organization.
Understanding the Spike in Threats
Cyber attackers exploit the peak travel season by posing as legitimate hotel and Airbnb websites, according to Check Point Research. Their findings show a striking 55% rise in the registration of vacation-related domains in May 2025 compared to last year, with over 39,000 new domains created — and alarmingly, one in every 21 flagged as malicious or suspicious.
The return-to-school period in late summer also triggers an increase in phishing schemes impersonating university emails, targeting both students and staff. While your industry might not be the direct focus, employees checking personal emails on work devices provide an entry point for attackers, making just one misstep potentially catastrophic for your business data.
Proven Strategies to Protect Your Team
As AI advances, phishing tactics become more sophisticated and convincing. This makes training yourself and your team to recognize threats critical to preventing harmful clicks.
Follow these essential safety tips:
• Stay alert for suspicious emails. Don't rely solely on spotting typos or awkward grammar, as AI can craft polished messages too. Always verify the sender's email address and examine visible links carefully for authenticity.
• Verify URLs thoroughly. Look out for misspelled link texts or uncommon domain extensions like .today or .info, which are often signs of fraudulent websites.
• Access websites directly. Rather than clicking links in emails or messages, manually type website addresses or search for them, ensuring you reach the correct destination.
• Activate Multifactor Authentication (MFA). MFA provides an additional security layer, protecting your credentials and sensitive data even if a breach occurs.
• Use caution with public WiFi. If connecting to public networks, always employ a VPN to securely access sensitive sites like booking platforms or banking services.
• Avoid checking personal emails on company devices. Keep personal and business accounts separate to reduce security risks.
• Consult your MSP about endpoint security solutions. Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) tools monitor devices to identify and block phishing attacks and malicious activities, notifying your MSP immediately to minimize data exposure.
Phishing threats continue evolving rapidly with AI driving more polished scams. Empowering your team with knowledge is your strongest defense. Stay alert and protected throughout the season!
Kick off the season with confidence — click here or call us at 507-580-7304 to schedule your FREE 15-Minute Call today.
