MOSCOW, July 11In Russia, in the summer, the number of fake tour operator sites and ticket bookings sharply increased against the backdrop of citizens’ interest in booking vacations; scammers seek to create fake, phishing sites that help them steal data and use it for illegal purposes, said Anton Nemkin, a member of the State Duma Committee on Information Policy .
«In Russia, the number of fake tour operator and ticket booking sites has sharply increased. This is due to the fact that in the summer the number of users who make online bookings and purchase tickets on such sites increases sharply. Moreover, many do this spontaneously, ignoring any security measures in network,» he said. 
Against the backdrop of growing interest from citizens, scammers are seeking to create fake, phishing sites that help them steal data and use it for illegal purposes, the deputy noted. In addition, the heavy load on the real websites of tour operators increases the likelihood of identifying specific vulnerabilities in them, which can be used by attackers for targeted attacks and, again, theft of personal information from databases, Nemkin added.
“I note that many holiday users may neglect basic cybersecurity rules due to haste or lack of experience. For example, they may use weak passwords, ignore security warnings, or connect to insecure Wi-Fi networks. Also during peak seasons, tour operators and ticket office staff cash desks can be very busy serving customers and quickly solving current problems, which can divert attention from necessary cybersecurity measures. Attackers take advantage of this by conducting DDoS attacks to overload servers or introducing malware to steal data,” the deputy concluded.
Nemkin recommended using strong passwords and two-factor authentication on travel sites, and when making online purchases and bookings, always ensure that the website uses a secure connection and has up-to-date security certificates.
«In general, citizens should be alert to phishing attacks. Do not open suspicious emails, download attachments from unknown senders, or click on links that may lead to fake sites. Regularly check your financial accounts for suspicious transactions and immediately report them to the bank or payment system,” the deputy advised.