While you and your team might be easing back into work after summer vacations, cybercriminals are just getting started. In fact, recent research from cybersecurity leaders like ProofPoint and Check Point shows that phishing attacks spike during the summer months and August is a prime time for trouble.
If you're running a business in Vancouver, this seasonal surge in cyber threats could put your data, your clients, and your operations at serious risk.
Why the Summer Spike in Phishing?
Cybercriminals are opportunists. They know people are traveling, distracted, and more likely to let their guard down. According to Check Point Research, there was a 55% increase in newly registered vacation-related domains in May 2025 compared to the same time last year. Out of over 39,000 domains, 1 in 21 was flagged as malicious or suspicious.
And it’s not just travel scams. August also marks the back-to-school season, which brings a wave of phishing emails disguised as university communications. Even if your business isn’t in education, employees pursuing degrees or planning trips may check personal emails on work devices and one wrong click is all it takes to compromise your entire network.
How Vancouver Businesses Can Stay Safe
AI is making phishing emails more convincing than ever, which means your team needs to be sharper than ever. Here’s how to protect your business:
- Scrutinize Emails Carefully
Don’t just look for typos. AI-generated phishing emails can be polished. Always check the sender’s email address and hover over links to verify their destination. - Double-Check URLs
Watch for misspellings or odd domain endings like .info or .today, which are often used in scam sites. - Visit Websites Directly
Instead of clicking links in emails, search for the website yourself to ensure you're landing on the real thing. - Enable Multifactor Authentication (MFA)
MFA adds a critical layer of protection. Use app-based or hardware key MFA rather than SMS-based codes for better security. - Avoid Public Wi-Fi Without a VPN
If you must use public Wi-Fi, always connect through a VPN to protect sensitive data. - Keep Personal Accounts Off Work Devices
Accessing personal email or social media on company devices increases your risk. Keep work and personal accounts separate. - Ask Your IT Provider About Endpoint Security
Tools like Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) can monitor your devices in real time, block phishing attempts, and alert your IT support team before damage is done.
Stay Ahead of the Threats
Phishing attacks are getting more sophisticated, and AI is accelerating that trend. The best defense? A well-informed team and a proactive cybersecurity strategy.
Start the season secure.
Book your FREE Cybersecurity Assessment today and let’s make sure your Vancouver business is protected from the threats that never take a vacation.
