Salt Lake City Architecture Firms Face Elevated Cyber Risk During Late Summer
You and your design team may be returning from summer vacations, but cybercriminals never clock out. In fact, cybersecurity research from firms like ProofPoint and Check Point shows a clear spike in phishing attacks during the summer—right when architectural firms across Salt Lake City tend to loosen their guard.
Whether it’s project managers on PTO, interns handling emails, or remote collaborators accessing shared BIM files on the go, the vulnerabilities add up fast. If you're relying on generic IT support, now's the time to reevaluate.
Why August Puts Architecture Firms at Risk
Hackers know your habits. They mimic hotel booking pages and Airbnb confirmations to trap unsuspecting staff. Check Point Research recorded a 55% increase in new vacation-related domains in May 2025 vs. May 2024. Over 39,000 new domains were created—and one out of every 21 was flagged as malicious.
But it doesn’t stop there. August also marks back-to-school season. Many Salt Lake City firms have staff pursuing degrees or managing family logistics. Phishing emails spoofing university systems or financial aid offices are increasingly targeting employees' personal inboxes—often accessed on work laptops.
All it takes is one misplaced click on a project machine, and your Revit files, client plans, or network folders are compromised.
What Salt Lake City Architecture Firms Can Do Right Now
Yes, artificial intelligence is making security software better—but it’s also giving hackers the power to write cleaner, more convincing phishing emails.
For firms that want more than just reactive IT services, staff training is step one. Your architecture software is only as secure as the people using it.
Security Tips for Design Studios and Architecture Firms:
- Be suspicious of unexpected emails, even if they look legit. Check for minor typos, unusual domains (.info, .today), and hidden links.
- Never click a link without checking the URL. Many fake websites closely mimic Autodesk, SketchUp, or Dropbox login pages.
- Type important web addresses manually instead of clicking links, especially for platforms used for BIM collaboration or client communication.
- Use Multifactor Authentication (MFA) on your project platforms, remote desktop access, and cloud drives.
- Avoid public WiFi when working on sensitive projects. If needed, always connect through a secure VPN.
- Keep work and personal email separate. Personal emails often carry more risk and shouldn’t be accessed on company devices.
- Ask your IT provider about endpoint security (EDR). These tools monitor activity, block phishing attempts in real time, and alert your team immediately.
Stop Phishing Threats Before They Derail Your Next Project
Phishing attacks are evolving, and AI is accelerating their sophistication. Don’t wait until a "client update" email locks down your design files.
At Qual IT, we specialize in managed IT services for architecture firms in Salt Lake City. That means we understand the workflows, software, and pressure points that matter in your world—and we build cybersecurity protocols that match.
If your current provider isn’t talking about phishing season or endpoint detection, it might be time for a conversation.
Click here to book your free network assessment.
