August 18, 2025
As you and your team return from summer vacations, remember that cybercriminals are relentlessly active year-round. Recent research from ProofPoint and Check Point reveals a notable rise in phishing attacks during the summer months. Here's how you can stay vigilant and safeguard your organization.
Why Are Cyber Threats Rising?
Cyber attackers exploit the summer travel season by mimicking popular hotel and Airbnb websites, according to Check Point Research. Their findings highlight a 55% surge in newly registered travel-related domains in May 2025 compared to last year, with over 39,000 domains created—one out of every 21 flagged as malicious or suspicious.
Additionally, the back-to-school period triggers a spike in phishing scams impersonating university emails aimed at students and staff. Even if your industry isn't directly targeted, employees checking personal emails on work devices can inadvertently expose your business to cyber risks. Just one wrong click can compromise your entire network.
How to Protect Your Business
While AI enhances cybersecurity defenses, it also enables attackers to craft more convincing phishing emails. It's crucial to educate yourself and your team on identifying threats and avoiding dangerous links.
Essential safety measures include:
• Vigilantly scrutinize suspicious emails. Don't rely solely on spotting spelling errors or awkward grammar; AI-generated emails can appear flawless. Carefully verify the sender's email address and inspect visible link texts for authenticity.
• Verify URLs carefully. Look out for misspelled link texts or unusual domain extensions like .today or .info, often associated with fraudulent websites.
• Access websites directly. Instead of clicking links in emails or messages, type the website address into your browser or use a trusted search engine.
• Activate Multifactor Authentication (MFA). MFA adds an extra layer of security, protecting your login credentials and sensitive data even if a breach occurs.
• Exercise caution on public WiFi. When using public networks, connect through a VPN to safeguard sensitive activities like booking travel or accessing financial accounts.
• Avoid checking personal emails on company devices. Keeping personal and work accounts separate minimizes the risk of cross-contamination from phishing threats.
• Consult your Managed Service Provider (MSP) about endpoint security. Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) tools monitor devices, block phishing attempts, and alert your MSP immediately if a breach occurs, significantly reducing data exposure.
Phishing attacks are evolving rapidly, fueled by AI advancements. The most effective defense is ongoing education—empower your team with knowledge to recognize and avoid threats. Stay alert, stay secure!
Kick off the season with confidence—click here or give us a call at 608-416-2400 your FREE 10-Minute Discovery Call today.
