Cybersecurity is a patient safety responsibility.
As summer travel season begins, cybersecurity experts are reporting a significant increase in phishing attacks, travel-related scams, and artificial intelligence (AI)-generated fraud schemes targeting both individuals and organizations. While many nurses are planning vacations, attending conferences, or participating in professional development activities, cybercriminals are using these seasonal opportunities to exploit distracted users.
Healthcare professionals remain attractive targets because of their access to sensitive information and organizational systems. Common summer threats include fake airline and hotel confirmations, fraudulent vacation rental websites, malicious QR codes, public Wi-Fi attacks, and phishing emails that appear to come from trusted travel companies.
AI is making these attacks increasingly convincing. Cybercriminals now can generate highly personalized emails, text messages, and even voice communications that closely mimic legitimate organizations. Recent cybersecurity reports indicate that travel-related phishing campaigns and fraudulent travel websites increase substantially during the summer months.
Tips to protect yourself and your organization
- Verify travel reservations directly through official websites or mobile applications.
- Avoid clicking links in unsolicited emails or text messages.
- Use multifactor authentication on personal and professional accounts.
- Be cautious when using public Wi-Fi networks and avoid accessing sensitive systems when connected to unsecured networks.
- Think before scanning QR codes in public locations.
- Report suspicious messages to your organization's cybersecurity team.
Cybersecurity is not just an IT responsibility. It is a patient safety responsibility. Maintaining cyber awareness during vacation season helps protect personal information, organizational data, and the patients we serve.
Stay alert, stay secure, and enjoy a safe summer.
Suggested Readings
Marler, R., Sherer, M., Thompson, K., & Hutti, M. H. (2026). Strategic guidelines for responding to a healthcare cyber-attack. The Journal of Nursing Administration, 56(1), 9-13. https://doi.org/10.1097/NNA.0000000000001667
Tucciarone, III, J. (2026, June 9). July cybersecurity awareness tip: Summer travel tips. https://cybersecurity.yale.edu/monthly-tip/july-cybersecurity-awareness-tip-summer-travel-tips