The Dark Side of Online Shopping Season: How To Protect Yourself and Your Business from Shopping Season Scammers

Bargain hunters make shopping lists every year, anticipating big sales for Black Friday and Cyber Monday. But just as shoppers get excited for these popular days, so do hackers.

The rush for savings, indeed the expectation for big deals, creates a once-a-year opportunity for cybercriminals to take advantage of the sales rush, using a variety of tactics like social engineering and phishing scams. This makes it easy to exploit eager shoppers who have let down their guard. 

This isn't just a problem for shoppers—it’s a serious risk for retailers and employers, too. Many businesses are one thoughtless click away from a very bad holiday season.

The Most Wonderful Time of Year – For Hackers

It’s been said that Black Friday is that day that comes once a year when shoppers get half off a doubled price. The deals may seem good, but they can come at a hidden cost. The surge of transactions during this time opens up countless opportunities for malicious activity. 

Here are some of the most common tactics cybercriminals use:

1. Phishing Attacks

Phishing remains one of the primary ways cybercriminals breach systems. During Black Friday and Cyber Monday, attackers send fraudulent emails that look like they’re from legitimate retailers, luring victims into clicking malicious links or downloading malware. 

These emails often promote irresistible discounts or fake order confirmations, which entice people to act quickly without second-guessing the source.

Fake Websites and Apps

Cybercriminals also create counterfeit websites and mobile apps that mimic popular retailers. These sites offer unrealistically steep discounts to lure shoppers in, but the real goal is to harvest personal and payment data. 

Many unsuspecting customers fall for these traps, providing sensitive information that criminals can exploit.

3. Malware Distribution

Suspicious links or email attachments are common during these shopping events. Once clicked, these links can install malware on your device, allowing hackers to track keystrokes, access personal information, or even take control of your system.

4. Social Engineering Scams

Social engineering attacks manipulate individuals into giving away sensitive information. For example, attackers may impersonate a trusted contact or customer service representative, creating a sense of urgency to push the victim into sharing personal details or making hasty decisions.

A Season for Vigilance

For businesses handling large volumes of transactions during Black Friday and Cyber Monday, strong cybersecurity measures are essential. Employers must recognize that these events come with heightened risks, particularly when dealing with payment information. 

Here are key cybersecurity measures businesses should prioritize:

Increase Security Awareness

Employees need to be trained on the tactics cybercriminals use during high-traffic shopping periods. Phishing emails, fake websites, and social engineering scams become more frequent, making it vital to reinforce security protocols.

Watch for Insider Threats

Businesses must also be aware of potential insider threats. Monitoring access to sensitive systems and user behavior is key to detecting suspicious activity.

Privileged access management (PAM) solutions, like those we advocate here at senhasegura, limit employees' access to critical systems and implement session monitoring, which can mitigate these risks.

Use Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)

MFA is one of the most basic, yet effective cybersecurity measures businesses can implement. It adds an extra layer of protection by requiring a second form of verification. 

Real-time session monitoring and alerts can also help businesses quickly detect and respond to unusual behavior.

Cybersecurity Tips for Consumers

Consumers, too, need to be vigilant about the cyber risks associated with Black Friday and Cyber Monday. Here are some key precautions:

Avoid Unsecured Wi-Fi

Public Wi-Fi networks are prime hunting grounds for cybercriminals. Sensitive data, such as credit card details, can be intercepted easily. Avoid making transactions on unsecured networks and instead use secure, private connections.

Use Strong, Unique Passwords

Never reuse passwords across multiple platforms. If one account is compromised, attackers can use the same credentials to access others. Tools like password managers can help generate and store unique, complex passwords. 

Yes, it may seem like a headache to juggle multiple passwords, but the consequence of laziness is worse.

Verify Website Authenticity

Always check the website’s URL and ensure you’re shopping on legitimate, secure sites. Be wary of deals that seem too good to be true, as they often are.

Be Aware of MFA Fatigue

MFA fatigue occurs when a user receives numerous verification requests, often tricking them into approving fraudulent access attempts.

Be Skeptical of Unsolicited Communication

Scammers frequently pose as legitimate companies through emails or text messages. Always verify the sender before clicking on links or sharing personal information.

Beware of Financial Skimming

Make sure that the payment platforms you use are trusted and secure. Avoid sharing credit card details on unfamiliar sites, and always use secure payment methods.

Verify Supply Chain and Vendor Security

Ensure that third-party vendors are also following robust security protocols. If a vendor is compromised, it can expose your business to the same risks. Monitor third-party activities and make sure they align with your company’s security standards.

Prepare and Protect

As consumers prepare their shopping lists and businesses brace for the rush of holiday traffic, hackers are making their vulnerabilities lists and checking them twice for weak spots. 

By staying informed, implementing best practices, and utilizing strong cybersecurity measures, we can all make the most of these shopping holidays—safely.