How TVG Raises Awareness of Phishing Among Travel Agencies

Cybercriminals are increasingly relying on social engineering rather than technical vulnerabilities. Together with TVG, we helped travel agencies detect phishing attacks early on, raise employee awareness, and build a sustainable security culture.

Minutes-long, practical awareness webinar

Key Topics Related to Phishing and Social Engineering

Coordinated measures: Webinar and Security Quick Check

Shortcuts to the Project

The TVG (Touristik-Vertriebsgesellschaft) brings together travel agencies of all sizes—from owner-operated businesses to larger organizations with multiple locations—and promotes discussion among its members on current industry topics. For some time now, the TVG has been observing a significant increase in professional phishing, malware, and social engineering attacks in the travel distribution sector. To raise awareness among its member travel agencies at an early stage and provide them with the best possible support, TVG continuously informs its agencies about current attack patterns, provides real-world examples, and promotes discussion on IT security topics within the network. To complement these measures, we have developed a practical awareness program in collaboration with TVG. The goal was to help travel agencies better recognize cyber risks, raise employee awareness, and increase their confidence in dealing with phishing attacks. Through an awareness webinar on phishing and social engineering, along with supplementary Security Quick Checks, we created a program that imparts knowledge, provides concrete recommendations for action, and enables individualized consulting.

How We've Helped Travel Agencies Prevent Phishing

Technical security solutions such as spam filters and antivirus software are important—but they cannot detect every fraudulent email. That is why our approach centered on the question: How can employees themselves become the most important line of defense against cyberattacks?

During a one-hour webinar, we provided participants with practical insights into:

the latest phishing methods used by cybercriminals,
how to recognize fake emails and social engineering attacks,
where technical safeguards reach their limits,
the responsibility each individual bears in their daily work,
how to respond correctly in case of suspicion,
and which simple routines strengthen IT security in travel agencies.

At the end of the webinar, participants received practical checklists for everyday use and the opportunity to take advantage of an individual “Security Quick Check” for travel agencies. This process identifies specific risks and derives recommendations for action tailored to each organization.

Greater Awareness

Employees recognize typical fraud attempts more quickly and respond more attentively.

Act safely

Clear recommendations for action provide reassurance in an emergency.

Understanding Attacks

The latest methods used by cybercriminals are explained in a clear and practical way.

Practical Checklists

Practical tools for everyday use help ensure the secure handling of emails and data.

Personalized Consulting

Security risks are analyzed, and appropriate measures are recommended.

Strengthening the Safety Culture

Suspected cases can be identified early and reported without hesitation.

Sharing Knowledge

Members benefit from shared knowledge and proven experience.

Minimize Risks

Informed employees help prevent successful cyberattacks.

The bottom line: Cybersecurity starts with people

Phishing remains one of the most common entry points for cyberattacks on companies.

The collaboration with TVG demonstrates that effective IT security awareness initiatives can make a decisive contribution: Employees recognize risks earlier, respond more confidently, and know how to act in an emergency. At the same time, a culture of security emerges in which incidents are openly discussed, experiences are shared, and preventive measures are continuously refined.

After all, sustainable cybersecurity in travel sales is not achieved through technology alone, but through informed and aware individuals who take responsibility.