🚨 Urgent Security Alert for Westlake, Ohio! Phishing Frenzy Hits Local Businesses 🚨

Good morning, Westlake! It’s a bright and beautiful spring day on the shores of Lake Erie, but before you head out for your Starbucks on Detroit Road or lace up your sneakers for a Metroparks stroll, we have an urgent (and friendly!) cyber-alert to share.

What’s Happening in Westlake?

Over this weekend, several businesses right here in Westlake received a flurry of suspicious emails—these aren’t just your run-of-the-mill spam. Oh no, these phishing attacks are clever, timely, and local. Picture this: an email arrives from what looks like a trusted local vendor or even the city utilities, but hidden within is a trap designed to snag your sensitive info before your first cup of coffee.

addo Solutions has been on high alert (and extra caffeine) this morning monitoring the situation. We’ve already blocked half a dozen attempts across Northeast Ohio—including some creative scoundrels spoofing the Westlake Chamber of Commerce and a few favorite spots around Crocker Park. Sneaky, right? But don’t worry! We’re here to break it down.

🎣 What’s a Phishing Attack, Anyway?

In true Westlake fashion, let’s keep it simple and local. Imagine you’re at Mitchell’s Ice Cream, and someone in line (wearing sunglasses indoors—sus!) asks for your credit card ‘just for a rewards program.’ Would you hand it over? Of course not!

Phishing emails are the digital version of that. They pretend to be trustworthy, but they’re just after your login credentials, banking info, or other sensitive data. Yikes!

🕵️‍♂️ How They’re Targeting Westlake

This week’s attack wave is hitting local businesses especially hard. Here’s how:

• Imitation Game: The bad guys are spoofing emails from recognizable Westlake businesses, civic orgs, and local utilities.
• Time-Sensitive Language: Subject lines like "Action Required: Account Suspension" or "Emergency Notice from City Hall."
• Fake Invoices/Links: Click those links and suddenly, you’re on a site that’s as fake as Lake Erie sharks.

Our security team at addo Solutions even caught a phishing message claiming to offer free Buckeye Brownie sundaes for those who verify their employee credentials. (Westlake loves sweets, but cybercriminals are NOT invited to the dessert table.)

💡 Here’s How You Can Outsmart the Scammers

We know Westlakers are a sharp bunch, so let’s level up your defenses with these 5 quick wins:

1. Think Before You Click

Don’t click on links or attachments in emails that you weren’t expecting—even if they’re from ‘familiar’ local names!

2. Check the Sender’s Address Closely

Phishing emails often come from addresses that look almost right but sneak in a typo (think "admin@west1akechamber.com" instead of "admin@westlakechamber.com").

3. Watch for Sense of Urgency

Does the email sound like someone’s handing out eviction notices at Crocker Park on a Saturday? Chill! Urgency is the scammer’s favorite trick.

4. Update Passwords Regularly

Treat your passwords like your favorite sneakers—change them when they get worn out!

5. When in Doubt, Call Direct

If you ever get an odd request from a Westlake contact, don’t be shy. Ring up the business or person on their real number (not the one in the email!) and double-check.

🚀 How addo Solutions Has Your Back

At addo Solutions, we know Westlake’s community spirit can’t be phished away. As your local white-glove managed IT superheroes (cape optional), we:

• Monitor your networks 24/7, like a night owl on Hilliard Boulevard.
• Use the latest cybersecurity tools to block risky emails.
• Provide on-demand training for your team, so everyone knows a phishing net when they see one.

And if you’re not an addo customer yet? No worries! We’re always happy to offer a complimentary security assessment, especially during a Westlake phishing storm. Your peace of mind is our top priority—right after making sure your favorite pizza place on Center Ridge Road is protected, too!

🏆 Take a Bow, Westlake

Stay hopeful, friends! Cyber scammers can try their worst, but together—armed with knowledge and your friendly neighborhood cybersecurity experts from addo Solutions—the community can keep Westlake safe, one inbox at a time.

If you have doubts, forward any suspicious email to our cyber detectives at support@addosolutions.com. Or swing by our office for a chat (extra coffee on us—no phishing required).

Let’s wipe out bad guys and keep Westlake thriving, connected, and safe. Remember, you got this, and we’re here to help!

Stay sharp, Westlake! 🦸‍♂️🦸‍♀️

— The addo Solutions Team

Published April 14th 2025 in Managed IT Matters