August 18, 2025
While you and your team may be returning from vacation, cybercriminals remain relentlessly active. Research from ProofPoint and Check Point reveals a surge in phishing attacks during summer months. Here’s how you can stay vigilant and safeguard your business.
Why Are Summer Months Riskier?
Cyber attackers exploit the summer travel season by mimicking hotel and Airbnb websites, according to Check Point Research. They report a 55% rise in new vacation-related domain registrations in May 2025 compared to last year, with over 39,000 domains created—1 in 21 flagged as malicious or suspicious.
The late summer back-to-school period also triggers a spike in phishing emails impersonating university communications, targeting students and staff alike. Even if your industry isn’t directly affected, employees checking personal emails on work devices can inadvertently expose your company to cyber threats with just one wrong click.
How to Protect Yourself and Your Team
While AI enhances cybersecurity defenses, it also empowers attackers to craft more convincing phishing scams. Training your team to recognize threats is crucial to prevent breaches.
Follow these essential safety tips to minimize risks:
· Stay alert for suspicious emails. Don’t rely solely on spotting typos or poor grammar; AI can generate polished phishing emails. Verify sender addresses and hover over links to check their legitimacy.
· Verify URLs carefully. Watch for misspellings or unusual domain endings like .today or .info, which are common in scam websites.
· Access websites directly. Instead of clicking links in emails or messages, manually type the website address or search for it to avoid fraudulent sites.
· Enable Multifactor Authentication (MFA). MFA adds an extra layer of security, protecting your accounts and sensitive data even if login credentials are compromised.
· Use caution on public WiFi. When accessing sensitive information on public networks, always use a VPN to secure your connection.
· Keep personal email off work devices. Avoid checking personal emails, social media, or messaging apps on company equipment to reduce exposure to threats.
· Consult your MSP about endpoint security. Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) tools monitor devices, block phishing attempts, and alert your MSP instantly to contain breaches and protect data.
Phishing attacks evolve daily, increasingly fueled by AI advancements. The most effective defense is a well-informed team. Stay educated, stay alert, and keep your business secure.
Kick off the season with confidence — click here or call us at 503-966-2538 to schedule your FREE 15-Minute Discovery Call today.
