August 18, 2025
Even as you and your team return from vacation, cybercriminals remain relentlessly active. Research from ProofPoint and Check Point reveals that phishing scams actually surge during the summer months. Here’s how you can stay vigilant and safeguard your business.
Why Does Risk Increase in Summer?
Cybercriminals exploit the summer travel season by impersonating popular hotel and Airbnb platforms, according to Check Point Research. They identified a dramatic 55% rise in the registration of new vacation-related website domains in May 2025 compared to the previous year. Alarmingly, out of over 39,000 domains, one in 21 was flagged as malicious or suspicious.
The late summer back-to-school period also triggers a spike in phishing campaigns mimicking official university emails, targeting students and staff alike. While these threats may seem unrelated to your industry, employees accessing personal emails on work devices can inadvertently open the door to cyberattacks with just one wrong click.
How to Protect Yourself and Your Team
While AI enhances cybersecurity defenses and streamlines operations, it also enables attackers to craft more convincing phishing emails. Training your team to recognize suspicious signs is crucial to avoiding costly breaches.
Essential Safety Tips to Prevent Phishing Attacks:
• Remain vigilant with emails. Don’t rely solely on spotting spelling errors or awkward phrasing—AI can generate polished fraudulent emails. Always verify the sender’s email address and scrutinize any visible links for authenticity.
• Verify URLs carefully. Watch for misspelled links or unusual domain extensions like .today or .info, which are often used in scams.
• Access websites directly. Instead of clicking links in emails or messages, type the website address yourself to avoid falling victim to phishing.
• Implement Multifactor Authentication (MFA). MFA adds an extra layer of security, protecting your login credentials and sensitive data even if a breach occurs.
• Exercise caution with public WiFi. When using public networks, always connect through a VPN to safeguard sensitive information such as booking details or financial accounts.
• Avoid accessing personal emails on work devices. Keep personal and work accounts separate to minimize security risks.
• Consult your MSP about endpoint security solutions. Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) tools monitor your devices, block phishing attempts and malicious downloads, and alert your MSP immediately if a breach occurs, significantly reducing your exposure.
Phishing tactics evolve rapidly, especially with AI accelerating their sophistication. The best defense is a well-informed team. Stay updated, stay alert, and protect your business.
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