August 18, 2025
While you and your team return from vacation, cybercriminals remain relentlessly active. Research from ProofPoint and Check Point reveals a notable surge in phishing attacks during the summer months. Here’s how you can stay vigilant and protect your business.
Why Are Summer Months Riskier?
Cyber attackers exploit the summer travel season by mimicking popular hotel and Airbnb websites, according to Check Point Research. They report a 55% rise in new travel-related domain registrations in May 2025 compared to last year, with over 39,000 domains created and approximately 1 in 21 flagged as malicious or suspicious.
Additionally, the back-to-school period triggers an increase in phishing scams impersonating university communications aimed at students and staff. Even if your sector isn't directly targeted, employees checking personal emails on work devices can inadvertently expose your entire business to cyber threats through a single careless click.
How to Strengthen Your Defenses
With AI enhancing both cybersecurity tools and phishing tactics, it's crucial to educate yourself and your team on identifying and avoiding malicious links.
Follow these essential safety tips to minimize risk:
• Stay alert for suspicious emails. Beyond spotting typos or awkward phrasing, scrutinize the sender’s email address and the actual link URLs, as AI can craft convincing fraudulent messages.
• Verify URLs carefully. Watch out for misspellings or unusual domain extensions like .today or .info, which are commonly used by scammers.
• Access websites directly. Instead of clicking on links in emails or messages, type the website address yourself to avoid phishing traps.
• Enable Multifactor Authentication (MFA). MFA adds an extra layer of security, protecting your login credentials and sensitive data even if a breach occurs.
• Use caution with public WiFi. When connecting over public networks, always use a VPN to safeguard your access to sensitive portals like booking sites or bank accounts.
• Keep personal and work emails separate. Avoid checking personal emails, social media, or messaging accounts on company devices to reduce exposure to threats.
• Consult your MSP about endpoint security. Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) tools can continuously monitor your devices, block phishing attempts, and alert your managed service provider immediately if a breach is detected, drastically reducing data risks.
Phishing scams continue to evolve rapidly, especially with AI advancements. The best defense is a well-informed team prepared to recognize threats. Stay educated, stay protected!
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