August 18, 2025
While you and your team might be returning from vacation, cybercriminals remain active around the clock. Recent 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 safeguard your business.
Why Are Summer Phishing Attacks on the Rise?
Cyber attackers exploit the summer travel season by masquerading as hotel and Airbnb websites, according to Check Point Research. They've identified a 55% jump in new travel-related domain registrations in May 2025 compared to last year, with over 39,000 domains created—one in every 21 flagged as malicious or suspicious.
Additionally, the late summer back-to-school period sparks an increase in phishing emails impersonating universities, targeting students and staff alike. Even if your industry isn’t directly affected, employees checking personal emails on work devices—whether for academic or vacation plans—can inadvertently expose your entire business to cyber threats with a single 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 the signs of phishing is crucial to prevent breaches.
Follow these essential safety tips to defend against attacks:
• Stay vigilant for suspicious emails. Don’t rely solely on spotting typos or poor grammar—AI-generated emails can be flawless. Verify the sender’s email address and inspect visible links carefully to confirm authenticity.
• Verify URLs thoroughly. Watch out for misspelled domains or unusual extensions like .today or .info, which are commonly used in scam websites.
• Access websites directly. Instead of clicking links in emails or messages, manually type the website address or use a trusted search engine.
• Activate Multifactor Authentication (MFA). MFA adds an extra layer of protection, ensuring your credentials and sensitive data remain secure even if a breach occurs.
• Exercise caution with public WiFi. When using public networks, always connect through a VPN, especially when handling sensitive information like bookings or banking.
• Avoid checking personal emails on work devices. Keep personal and professional accounts separate by using personal devices for personal communications.
• Consult your MSP about endpoint security solutions. Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) software actively monitors devices, blocks phishing attempts, and alerts your MSP instantly if a breach occurs, minimizing data exposure.
Phishing tactics grow more sophisticated daily, accelerated by AI advancements. The most effective defense is a well-informed team. Stay educated, stay alert, and protect your business from evolving cyber threats.
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