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Why Phishing Attacks Spike In August

August 18, 2025

While you and your team may be returning from summer breaks, cybercriminals remain active year-round. Recent reports from ProofPoint and Check Point highlight a notable rise in phishing scams during summer. Learn how to recognize these threats and protect your business effectively.

Understanding the Summer Threat Surge

Cyber attackers exploit summer travel habits by mimicking popular hotel and Airbnb platforms, according to Check Point Research. In May 2025 alone, new travel-related website domains surged 55% compared to last year, with over 39,000 domains registered and nearly 5% flagged as dangerous or suspicious.

Additionally, the back-to-school season triggers a wave of phishing emails impersonating universities, targeting both students and staff. Even if your business isn't directly involved, employees checking personal emails on work devices risk exposing your company to cyberattacks with just one wrong click.

Effective Strategies to Safeguard Your Business

As AI enhances cybersecurity, it simultaneously helps cybercriminals craft more believable phishing scams. It's crucial to educate your team on identifying these risks to prevent accidental breaches.

Follow these essential safety measures to defend against attacks:

Stay vigilant with suspicious emails. Don't just rely on spotting typos or odd grammar—AI can generate flawless messages. Verify the sender's email address and inspect visible links carefully for authenticity.

Always verify URLs. Look out for misspellings or unusual domain extensions like .today or .info, which are frequently used in scams.

Navigate websites by typing URLs directly. Avoid clicking links in emails or messages; instead, search for the site manually to ensure safety.

Activate Multifactor Authentication (MFA). MFA adds an extra security layer, protecting your credentials and sensitive data even if a breach occurs.

Use caution on public WiFi. Employ a VPN when accessing sensitive information over public networks to prevent interception.

Avoid personal email on company devices. Mixing personal and work accounts increases vulnerability. Keep personal accounts on personal devices and work accounts on business devices.

Consult your MSP about endpoint security. Endpoint detection and response (EDR) tools monitor devices, block malicious activities, and alert your MSP immediately to limit data exposure.

As phishing tactics become more sophisticated with AI advancements, staying informed is your strongest defense. Empower your team with knowledge to maintain your organization's security seamlessly.

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