August 18, 2025
While you and your team may be returning from summer vacations, cybercriminals remain relentlessly active. Research from ProofPoint and Check Point reveals a notable surge in phishing attacks during the summer months. Discover how to stay vigilant and safeguard your business.
Why Are Threats Rising During Summer?
Cyber attackers exploit the summer travel season by masquerading as hotel and Airbnb platforms, according to Check Point Research. They identified a 55% rise in new vacation-related domain registrations in May 2025 compared to last year, with over 39,000 domains registered—one in 21 flagged as malicious or suspicious.
Additionally, the late summer back-to-school period triggers an increase in phishing scams mimicking official university emails aimed at students and staff. Even if your industry isn’t directly targeted, employees accessing personal emails on work devices can inadvertently expose your company data with a single wrong click.
Effective Strategies to Protect Against Phishing
As AI enhances cybersecurity, it also enables attackers to craft more convincing phishing messages. It's crucial to educate yourself and your team on identifying phishing attempts to avoid falling victim.
Follow these essential safety tips:
· Vigilantly scrutinize suspicious emails. Don’t rely solely on spotting spelling errors; AI can create polished phishing emails. Verify the sender’s email address and inspect visible links for authenticity.
· Verify URLs carefully. Watch for misspellings or unusual domain extensions like .today or .info, which are commonly used in scam websites.
· Access websites directly. Rather than clicking on embedded links, manually type website addresses or use trusted search engines.
· Activate Multifactor Authentication (MFA). MFA adds a critical layer of security, protecting your login credentials and sensitive data even if a breach occurs.
· Use caution on public WiFi. When accessing sensitive information over public networks, always use a VPN to maintain secure connections.
· Avoid checking personal emails on work devices. Keeping personal and business accounts separate reduces exposure to cyber threats.
· Consult your MSP about endpoint security. Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) tools monitor devices, block phishing attempts, and alert your MSP instantly in case of a breach, minimizing data risks.
Phishing tactics evolve rapidly, accelerated by AI advancements. The most powerful defense is a well-informed team. Stay educated, stay alert, and protect your business from cyber threats.
Kick off the season with confidence – click here or call us at 614-889-6555 to schedule your FREE Consult today.
