Summer Vacation Cyber Scams on the Rise: How to Protect Yourself

As summer approaches, the excitement of vacation planning could be marred by the increasing threat of cyber scams, according to a recent report by Check Point Research. The firm has observed a significant rise in phishing scams and the creation of malicious websites aimed at stealing personal information from travelers. In May 2024 alone, out of 25,668 new domains registered related to vacations, one out of every 33 was found to be malicious or suspicious. These domains, mimicking reputable travel platforms, are designed to trick users into entering their login credentials, leading to potential information theft.

Check Point Research highlighted several malicious domains, such as booking-secure928[.]com, hotel-housekeeper[.]com, and agodabooking[.]top, which pose as legitimate travel brand platforms. Additionally, phishing emails, appearing to be from trusted companies, lure unsuspecting travelers to these harmful websites, further risking their personal data.

To protect against these summer vacation scams, it’s crucial to verify website authenticity by looking for HTTPS symbols in the URL, avoid sites with misspellings, and exercise caution with emails, even those that seem legitimate. Directly contacting companies using official information rather than through email links is also advised. By staying vigilant and informed, travelers can better safeguard their personal information while planning their summer getaways.