While you and your team might be coming back from summer vacations, hackers haven’t taken any time off. In fact, phishing attacks actually spike during the summer—especially in August.
Why? Because cybercriminals take advantage of the season. Vacation plans, back-to-school emails, and distracted employees create the perfect storm for scammers. And if even one employee clicks the wrong thing, it could put your entire business at risk.
Why Summer Is Prime Time for Hackers
According to research from companies like ProofPoint and Check Point, phishing scams tied to travel and education rise sharply this time of year:
- Fake Airbnb and hotel booking websites are popping up everywhere—over 39,000 travel domains were created in May alone, and 1 in 21 were flagged as malicious.
- Back-to-school phishing is on the rise too, with emails pretending to be from universities and schools—targeting both students and staff.
- Many employees check personal email on work computers, and that’s all it takes for a bad link to open the door to your company’s data.
How to Stay Safe
Yes, AI is helping with cybersecurity—but it’s also making phishing emails harder to spot. That’s why you need to stay sharp and make sure your team is trained.
Here are a few simple tips that go a long way:
✅ Watch for suspicious emails
Don’t rely on spelling errors to spot a scam—AI can write clean, polished emails too. Check the sender’s address and hover over links before clicking.
✅ Double-check URLs
Weird domains like .today, .info, or small typos in web addresses are red flags.
✅ Go to the site yourself
Never click on a link if you’re unsure. Just open your browser and search for the site directly.
✅ Use MFA
Multi-factor authentication helps protect your accounts even if someone gets your password.
✅ Avoid public WiFi (or use a VPN)
Using hotel or airport WiFi? A VPN adds a much-needed layer of security.
✅ Don’t mix personal email with work devices
Keep personal activity on personal devices. It’s safer for everyone.
✅ Use endpoint security tools
Ask your IT provider about tools like EDR (endpoint detection and response). It watches for suspicious behavior and shuts down attacks before they do damage.
Stay Ahead of the Scams
Phishing attacks are getting more advanced, and AI is speeding things up. The best defense is a well-trained team and the right tools in place.
Want help making sure your team is ready and your systems are protected?
Start the season secure – book your FREE Cybersecurity Assessment today.