You and your employees may be getting back from vacation, but cybercriminals never take a day off. In fact, phishing attacks in August are on the rise—data from security vendors like ProofPoint and Check Point show a significant increase in phishing attempts during the summer months.

The reason? Seasonal distractions, relaxed security habits, and well-timed scams that exploit both personal and professional routines.

Why the Spike in August?

Attackers capitalize on summer travel and back-to-school season to target unsuspecting users. Check Point Research uncovered a 55% increase in the creation of vacation-related domains in May 2025 compared to the previous year. Of over 39,000 new travel-related websites, 1 in every 21 was flagged as malicious or suspicious.

Meanwhile, the back-to-school rush presents another phishing opportunity. Cybercriminals send emails imitating universities, financial aid portals, and login systems—tricking students, staff, or even your own employees who may be using company devices to check personal messages.

It only takes one wrong click on a work computer to compromise your entire network.

How to Stay Protected

As AI makes phishing emails more convincing, your best defense is staying alert and training your team. Below are key tips to prevent a phishing attack:

  • Inspect email senders and links. Don’t just look for grammar mistakes. Even well-written emails can be fraudulent. Hover over links and verify sender email addresses before clicking.

  • Watch for suspicious domains. Scam websites often use unusual endings like .info, .today, or slight misspellings of real brands. Be cautious when entering login credentials on unfamiliar sites.

  • Visit websites directly. Instead of clicking links in messages, open your browser and search for the official site yourself.

  • Enable Multifactor Authentication (MFA). MFA acts as a second layer of defense even if credentials are stolen. Learn how MFA fits into your broader network security strategy.

  • Use a VPN on public WiFi. If you or your staff work while traveling, avoid logging into sensitive platforms without a VPN for protection.

  • Keep personal email off work devices. Accessing personal accounts on business devices increases the risk of malware, phishing, and credential theft.

  • Invest in endpoint detection and response (EDR). EDR software helps detect and block phishing attempts and alerts your team to suspicious activity. Ask your provider if your systems are covered.

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Don’t Let One Click Cost You Everything

Phishing attacks in August aren’t just more frequent—they’re also more sophisticated. You don’t have to tackle cybersecurity alone. Book a discovery call and we’ll help assess your current risk level and create a plan tailored to your business.

Schedule your FREE Cybersecurity Assessment now and start the season with confidence.