Summer Security Tips: How to Protect Your Business from Cyber Threats During Vacation Season
As the temperature rises, so does cybercriminal activity—and summer vacation season is prime time for cyberattacks.
Why? Because during the summer months:
- Key staff are out of office
- Security routines get disrupted
- Remote work happens from hotels, airports, and beach cafés
- Devices and networks are more vulnerable to human error and weak configurations
At Pacific IT Support, we’ve seen how a lack of summer preparedness can open the door to ransomware, phishing, data leaks, and downtime. So here’s your quick guide to staying safe while your team enjoys a well-earned break.
1. Secure Remote Access for Traveling Teams
Whether your staff is working from the cabin, a hotel, or their cousin’s guest room, make sure they’re accessing your business systems securely. That means:
- Use VPNs for all remote connections
- Enforce Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) for cloud services
- Restrict access to sensitive systems unless necessary
- Use secure password managers instead of sticky notes or reused logins
Bonus Tip: Don’t let anyone log in from public Wi-Fi without a VPN. Starbucks isn’t your friend when it comes to cybersecurity.
Read Also: What Is a VPN and Why Your Business Needs One
2. Limit Access While Staff Are Away
Before someone heads out on PTO, review what systems they can access—and whether those permissions are still necessary.
- Disable admin access while out of office
- Turn off or pause accounts for seasonal contractors or temps
- Ensure auto-forwarding of emails doesn’t expose sensitive info
Pro tip: If you’re using Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace, Pacific IT Support can help you apply conditional access and monitor login activity.
3. Traveling with Devices? Prepare and Protect Them
A laptop stolen from a hotel room or airport lounge can become a serious data breach.
Make sure all business devices:
- Are encrypted
- Have remote wipe capabilities
- Are up to date with the latest patches and security settings
- Aren’t being shared with family or friends on vacation
Encourage team members to never leave laptops or phones unattended in vehicles or checked luggage.
4. Watch for Summer-Themed Phishing Scams
Cybercriminals love to tailor their scams to the season. Watch for:
- Fake travel deals or airline emails
- “Out of Office” phishing that spoofs employees or vendors
- Gift card requests from “your boss” while they’re away
Educate your team to verify any unusual request, and remind them: when in doubt, don’t click.
5. Plan Ahead for Reduced IT Visibility
If your internal IT manager is on vacation, who’s watching your network?
This is the perfect time to:
- Delegate coverage or alert responsibilities
- Schedule a temporary MSP check-in to monitor alerts, updates, and backups
- Ensure security alerts are still being reviewed in real time
At Pacific IT Support, we provide 24/7 monitoring and alerting so you can relax—even when your internal team is off the clock.
Read Also: Why MFA Alone Is No Longer Enough in 2025
A Little Prep Goes a Long Way
Summer should be a time to recharge—not recover from a cyberattack.
By putting a few smart precautions in place, you can enjoy peace of mind while your team enjoys the sun.
Want help reviewing your summer security posture? Let’s do a quick audit and make sure your team—and your data—are covered.
📩 Reach out to Us today to schedule a checkup before you hit the road.