August 18, 2025
While you and your team may be returning from summer vacations, cybercriminals are relentlessly active year-round. Recent research from ProofPoint and Check Point reveals a surge in phishing attacks during the summer months. Here's how you can stay vigilant and safeguard your business.
Why Are Cyber Threats Rising in Summer?
Hackers exploit the summer travel season by mimicking popular hotel and Airbnb websites, according to Check Point Research. They've identified a 55% jump in newly registered travel-related domains in May 2025 compared to last year, with over 39,000 domains created. Alarmingly, one in every 21 of these domains is flagged as malicious or suspicious.
Additionally, the back-to-school period triggers an increase in phishing emails impersonating universities, targeting both students and staff. Even if your industry isn't directly affected, employees checking personal emails on work devices can inadvertently expose your entire organization to cyber risks.
How to Protect Yourself and Your Team
Although AI enhances cybersecurity defenses, it also enables attackers to craft more convincing phishing scams. Educating yourself and your employees on recognizing threats is crucial to preventing breaches.
Essential safety measures include:
• Vigilantly scrutinize suspicious emails. Don't rely solely on spotting typos or poor grammar—AI can generate polished phishing emails. Verify the sender's email address and inspect visible links carefully to ensure authenticity.
• Verify URLs thoroughly. Watch out for misspelled domain names or unusual extensions like .today or .info, which are often linked to scams.
• Access websites directly. Instead of clicking links in emails or messages, type the website URL yourself to avoid fraudulent sites.
• Activate Multifactor Authentication (MFA). MFA adds an extra layer of security, protecting your accounts and sensitive data even if login credentials are compromised.
• Exercise caution with public WiFi. Use a VPN when connecting to public networks, especially when handling sensitive information like bookings or banking.
• Avoid accessing personal emails on work devices. Keep personal accounts on your own devices to reduce the risk of cross-contamination between personal and business data.
• Consult your MSP about endpoint security. Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) tools monitor devices, block phishing attempts, and alert your Managed Service Provider immediately upon detecting threats, minimizing potential damage.
Phishing scams are evolving rapidly, fueled by AI advancements. The best defense is a well-informed team prepared to recognize and respond to these threats. Stay alert and protect your business.
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