As families shift into back-to-school mode and businesses gear up also for a busy fourth quarter, cybercriminals are seizing the opportunity to strike. Increased online activity, tighter deadlines, and distracted employees create the perfect storm for fraud and phishing attacks.
Staying alert to these seasonal threats can protect both your personal and professional data from costly breaches.
What Parents Miss Under Pressure: Phishing on the Rise
Parents are receiving a flood of digital communication from schools, including payment requests, signup forms, and portal logins. Scammers often mimic these formats to trick users into clicking malicious links or entering sensitive information.
Fake registration emails may look like legitimate fee requests, but instead lead to phishing sites that capture credit card details or install malware. Always verify payment requests through the official school website or by calling directly. Avoid clicking links from unfamiliar or unexpected emails.
Cybercriminals are also setting up fake versions of school portals to steal login credentials. If those same passwords are used for work, one compromised account could lead to a broader breach.
Use unique passwords, enable two-factor authentication where possible, and avoid reusing login credentials between school and work accounts.
The Blind Spot in the Inbox: Invoice and Employee Fraud
This time of year brings an increase in vendor invoices, project deadlines, and financial approvals. Scammers use that urgency to slip in fake invoices or impersonate vendors.
Always confirm any changes to banking details through a second method, such as a phone call. Make sure your team is trained to flag suspicious emails, especially those marked “urgent” or requesting unusual payments.
Reinforce basic protections like email filtering, antivirus software, and security training. Even a short cybersecurity refresher can prevent a costly mistake.
Next Steps for Your Security
Cybercriminals thrive when people are busy, distracted, and overwhelmed. Fall is one of those times, making both families and businesses vulnerable to a wide range of digital threats.
If you’re unsure how protected your business is against today’s scams, we can help. Contact us with your inquiries with the contacts listed below:
201.402.1900
info@krsit.com
Or if you would like, let us set some time aside for you, and together, we can take a look on creating a cybersecurity readiness checkup, of absolute NO COST TO YOU of course!