August might be the calm before the storm for many teams – projects on pause, inboxes a little lighter, and vacation replies in full swing. But while your office might slow down, cybercriminals ramp things up.
Phishing attacks consistently spike this time of year, and it’s not a coincidence. It’s strategy.
Let’s break down why August is such a hotspot for these scams – and what you can do to keep your organization safe while your team soaks up the end of summer.
Why August Is a Sweet Spot for Cybercriminals
Phishing isn’t just a numbers game anymore. It’s smart, targeted, and often timed to catch people off guard. Here’s why August is a favorite among attackers:
- Smaller Teams, Slower Reactions
With staff out on vacation or rotating coverage, fewer eyes are on critical emails. That “urgent” message from the CFO? It might get forwarded instead of being questioned. - Disrupted Workflows
Processes often change in August. Maybe approvals are delayed, or temp staff are filling in. Cybercriminals count on these gaps to sneak in messages that would normally raise red flags. - Distractions + Fatigue = Risk
Summer distractions, prep for fall campaigns, and the mental slowdown before Q4 mean people are more likely to click first and think later.
What Modern Phishing Looks Like
Gone are the days of poorly written emails from mystery princes. Today’s phishing attempts are polished, timely, and often appear to come from someone you know. Common tactics include:
- Fake emails from company leadership requesting immediate action
- Spoofed vendor invoices or payment updates
- “System alerts” asking you to reset your password
- Files that look like reports, contracts, or shared cloud docs
These messages often create a false sense of urgency – something that’s hard to ignore when your mind is already halfway to the beach.
Smart Ways to Stay Secure This Month
Even if you’re operating on a skeleton crew, there are practical steps you can take to minimise risk:
✅ Remind Staff to Stay Alert<span”>
A quick refresher email or 10-minute team huddle can go a long way. Reiterate what phishing looks like and encourage people to double-check anything that feels off.
✅ Use Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
If someone’s login details are compromised, MFA can stop the breach in its tracks. It’s simple to set up and incredibly effective.
✅ Pause Before You Click
Encourage a company-wide habit of hovering over links and verifying email addresses – especially when a message seems urgent or unexpected.
✅ Implement Clear Policies for Financial Requests
No one should be approving payments, changing bank details, or sending gift cards based on email alone. Always require a secondary check – ideally by phone or in person.
✅ Ask Your IT Provider About Extra Protection
Tools like email filtering, phishing simulations, and threat detection software can add a layer of defence, especially during high-risk months like August.
Don’t Let Hackers Make the Most of Your Summer
Phishing attacks aren’t just annoying – they can be costly, reputation-damaging, and disruptive. But the good news? Awareness is half the battle. With the right safeguards in place, you can enjoy the slower pace of August without leaving your digital doors wide open.
Need help reviewing your cybersecurity protocols before the busy season returns?
A quick assessment now could save you weeks of headaches later.
Let’s make sure the only thing hitting your inbox this month is that beach photo from a colleague.