If you lead a business in Austin or anywhere in Central Texas, you probably already invest in email security. You know what phishing looks like. You’ve warned your team not to click strange links.
But today’s attackers are using a channel most leaders never even think about.
Your calendar.
Over the last year, hackers have quietly shifted to using calendar invites as an easy way to trick employees, get around traditional filters, and make harmful links look like normal business meetings.
This isn’t science fiction. It’s happening every day.
Why Calendar Invites Are Suddenly a Target
Most leaders assume calendar invites are harmless. They’re simple. They’re routine.
But attackers love them for exactly those reasons.
Calendar invites:
• Look trustworthy
• Don’t trigger the same security checks as emails
• Often get added automatically to your calendar
• Blend in with real meetings
• Make people let their guard down
If an employee sees a meeting request from what looks like a coworker, manager, or vendor, they rarely question it. That’s what hackers count on.
This quiet shift is allowing attackers to deliver fake “join meeting” links that steal passwords, access business email, or target financial accounts — all from inside something employees assume is safe.
The Real Business Cost
Ignoring this trend can create serious risks for organizations of any size.
If a single employee clicks one malicious link in a fake calendar invitation, attackers may gain access to:
• Business email accounts
• Bank information
• Customer records
• Internal files
• Vendor portals
• Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace
From there, the damage can grow quickly:
• Wire fraud
• Payroll manipulation
• Email impersonation
• Fake invoices
• Data exposure
• Ransomware
And because the attack starts in the calendar, not email, most businesses never see it coming.
How CTTS Protects Austin and Central Texas Businesses
At CTTS, we spend every day protecting companies across Austin, Round Rock, Georgetown, Taylor, Temple, and the surrounding communities.
Calendar attacks are new, but protecting against emerging threats is what we do best.
Here’s how we help businesses stay ahead:
1. We stop suspicious invites before they reach employee calendars
CTTS configures Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace to prevent automatic calendar additions and filter out risky invites.
2. We remove dangerous events already sitting on calendars
If something slips through, our tools clean it up — even after the email is gone.
3. We strengthen your settings behind the scenes
We adjust your system so calendar invites are handled safely and don’t bypass security checks.
4. We help your team know what to look for
Short, clear training makes employees far more confident in spotting suspicious invites.
5. We stay ahead of new tactics
Attackers evolve quickly. CTTS monitors new attack trends and adjusts your protection automatically.
Your team shouldn’t have to become cybersecurity experts to stay safe.
That’s our job.
What CEOs Can Do Right Now
Here are simple, non-technical steps every leader can take:
1. Don’t assume calendars are safe
Treat invites like any other communication channel.
2. Ask your IT provider how they handle calendar threats
Most aren’t watching this attack vector yet.
3. Adjust your Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace settings
A few small changes dramatically reduce risk.
4. Educate your team
If an invite looks strange or unexpected, verify before clicking.
5. Get a security review
Even long-trusted tools like calendars need attention in today’s environment.
Schedule a Free Strategy Session
If you want to make sure your organization isn’t quietly exposed through calendar invites, CTTS can help.
We’ll review your Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace settings and show you exactly how to secure this overlooked attack surface.
Schedule a free strategy session with CTTS today.
FAQ
1. Are calendar attacks really happening to local businesses?
Yes. They’re increasing rapidly because most organizations don’t know to protect against them yet.
2. Can this be fixed without disrupting normal scheduling?
Absolutely. The right settings keep you safe without slowing down your workflow.
3. How do I know if we’ve already been targeted?
CTTS can review your environment and identify suspicious or unexpected calendar activity.
Contact CTTS today for IT support and managed services in Austin, TX. Let us handle your IT so you can focus on growing your business. Visit CTTSonline.com or call us at (512) 388-5559 to get started!