You’re easing back into your routine after a summer getaway. Your staff is shifting focus to fall prep and back-to-school duties. But while you’re catching your breath, cybercriminals are stepping on the gas.
In fact, August is one of the riskiest months of the year for phishing attacks — and senior care facilities are especially vulnerable.
Here’s what you need to know — and how to keep your residents, your data, and your reputation safe.
🎯 Why Are Phishing Attacks Spiking Right Now?
A new report from Check Point Research found that cyberthreats related to travel and education surge in the summer months — especially August. Bad actors know your team may be booking last-minute vacations or helping kids get ready for college. They mimic hotel confirmation emails, Airbnb updates, and even university notifications.
What does that mean for you?
If even one staff member opens personal email on a work device and clicks a malicious link, your entire network could be exposed. And with AI now writing emails that look shockingly real, it’s getting harder to spot a scam.
🛑 The Risks for Senior Care Facilities
Let’s bring this closer to home.
If your team uses PointClickCare, MatrixCare, or other cloud-based EHRs, you depend on secure logins every day. A phishing attack could steal credentials and lock you out of those systems — affecting medication schedules, care notes, and emergency responses.
That’s not just a tech issue. That’s a resident safety issue.
✅ 6 Simple Ways to Stay Safe This Season
- Watch the sender’s email closely. Even if the message looks polished, check for subtle misspellings or strange addresses.
- Avoid clicking links in emails. Train your staff to go directly to websites — not through links.
- Look out for shady domains. URLs ending in ".info", ".click", or ".today" are red flags.
- Use MFA everywhere. Multifactor authentication protects your systems even if a password gets stolen.
- Never check personal email on work devices. It’s not worth the risk. Create a clear policy for your team.
- Ask your MSP about Endpoint Protection. Tools like EDR (Endpoint Detection & Response) quietly monitor devices and catch threats before they spread. If your IT provider isn’t offering this — it’s time to ask why.
💜 Protecting More Than Just Data
You don’t just lead a facility. You steward trust — from residents, from families, from your board.
Cybersecurity isn’t about scaring you. It’s about helping you lead with confidence.
Let’s make sure one wrong click doesn’t undo the years of trust you’ve built.
Free Resource: Not sure where your risks are? Let’s find out together. Schedule your FREE Cybersecurity Assessment for Senior Care Facilities — tailored just for Minnesota operators like you.
