Once again, Black Friday and Cyber Monday are on the way, and consumers are enthusiastic about haggling for bargains. But with these comes an increase in threats and unscrupulous activities for cybercriminals to take advantage of. Online criminals and ruthless hackers have their eyes on targeting shoppers over this season, as their activities and buying intensity increase so do the amount of cyber activities.
Deal hunters in search for the best bargains tend to act hurriedly which could make them vulnerable to these cyber threats. To protect oneself from these threats, one can take proactive steps to improve security.
Why Black Friday and Cyber Monday are prime targets for cyber threats?
It’s easy to see why Black Friday and Cyber Monday, famous for a combination of massive discounts and massive amounts of traffic online, would be vulnerable. The coalescing of several forces into one event provides a powerful lure for cybercriminals.
High transaction volume
During these days, thousands of transactions are done per second which heightens the probability of cyberattacks on the users. The more transactions, the more possibilities for cybercriminals to exploit the vulnerabilities. According to a report made by Adobe, online sales during Cyber Monday which happened last 2023 in the US were $12.4 Billion. Having said that, billions of transactions create a ripe condition for the probability of cybercriminals targeting vulnerable shoppers, and more possible that it can slip through tight security even with the most watchful security measures. This is why online shoppers need to be extra cautious.
Bargain hunting mindset
Consumers can also be so keen to land a bargain before the deal expires that they rush through their downloads or purchases, paying less attention to security matters and providing cybercriminals with easy targets. Consequently, the keenest shoppers might be tempted not to examine a website carefully enough, or not to take the time to verify the authenticity of a claim in an email or SMS to say that they can have a money-off or discount deal. The sheer urgency of having to act quickly if they want to snap up the deal of the century can also temporarily affect the user’s brain, causing them to instinctively click first, and ask questions later. Users may enter personal details in a website without thinking twice, or click a link in an email without pausing to check where it leads. Criminals play upon this impulsive state of mind; a little time and distance can make a consumer pause and consider what the worst-case scenario would be if, for example, they clicked the link.
Phishing attacks
Expect an increase in phishing attacks during these high-traffic times too. You may receive emails that look like they’re from legitimate retailers but could be trying to obtain your personal and financial information. Always check the sender before clicking on any links. The Anti-Phishing Working Group (APWG) found 877,536 such attacks in Q2 2024. This shows that phishing is becoming more and more advanced and prevalent. Social engineering plays a huge role in this type of scam, and it’s not always obvious if you don’t pay close attention. Scammers will mirror the look and language of legitimate retailers, so it’s important to double-check who the email is from and whether there are any embedded links. Verifying these details could save you from being scammed.
Fake websites
Clone sites can be a common form of fraud, where fraudsters create sites that look like well-known retailers to funnel customers’ information and personal details. It’s essential to check that the website is a real one, before making any purchases. A fake website can look just like the real thing. There will often be a slightly misspelled URL, and perhaps the logo and design of the website are not perfect. If in doubt, refer to your browser or cybersecurity tools, which might have a tool or extension that can flag that you’re about to enter a malicious website.
Cyber safety tips for a secure Black Friday and Cyber Monday
With the vast amounts of money being spent during two of the biggest sales events of the year, here are some essential Cyber Monday and Black Friday shopping safety tips to help you buy with confidence online:
Use secure websites
When shopping online, always ensure that the URL at the top of your browser begins with ‘https://’ and that it has a padlock icon next to it. You can also double-check this by looking for a small lock icon in the bottom right-hand side of your browser window. These factors mean that the site is secure and encrypts your personal information. Avoid sites that start with ‘http:’ and don’t have a padlock symbol, as these are likely to be fraudulent. Some cybercriminals make their fake sites look very much like genuine sites so it’s hard to tell the difference. Check for other signs of trust here, such as official certifications or markers that state that the company has a clear returns policy.
Secured and well-constructed websites tend to have long, informative descriptions of their products, as well as plenty of reviews from other customers and the contact details all neatly displayed somewhere. Social media links and live customer service are other signs of a security-conscious website, while a bargain at an unknown retailer can often be a tell-tale sign of an imposter.
Beware of phishing emails
Watch out for ‘too good to be true’ deals offered in unsolicited emails, which might contain embedded phishing links designed to steal your personal details. If you want to visit a retailer’s website and check out a deal, ignore any email links and instead type the website’s address into your browser, or use a search engine such as Google to find it. Phishing emails often use realistic-looking logos and language to piggyback off your existing familiarity with the brand, so it is always worth double-checking any communication with an official source. Some fake emails contain attachments made up of malware that can damage your computer, so never download untrusted files.
Phishing schemes can also arrive in text messages, posts on social media and other digital channels. Be sure to double-check the source of any advertising offer independently, even when the message seems to be from a trusted contact. A common tactic of phishing schemes is to create a sense of urgency, offering a deal that entices you to act now.
Use strong passwords
It’s best to have different strong, unique passwords for each of your favorite shopping sites. Always mix uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. If you must, use a password manager to save these passwords, but make sure the manager is encrypted and secure. Using a robust password decreases the chance of anyone breaking into your account. Your chances of a cybercriminal being able to break into your account and steal information are higher with weak passwords because they’re the easiest to guess. They will use automated bots to try to guess your password. If you’ve used the same password for many services, a breach of one service could mean that your account is broken into in other services.
Doing periodic password updates can also help. Multi-factor authentication (MFA) is an important step whenever it’s available; this adds a second barrier, often requiring a separate device or process, for gaining access. It effectively makes the most of a vulnerable password, such that brute-force and automated attacks will be ineffective even if your password gets compromised.
Monitor your bank statements
Check your bank and credit card accounting regularly over the shopping season for any unauthorized charges, so that you can react promptly when a merchant makes an error, and, more importantly, so that you can put an end to any future fraudulent purchases. At some banks and with some cards, you can also get alerts for transactions when they are first made, so you can check into the charge right away to make sure you don’t have any unauthorized purchases. Just a few minutes of checking your statements regularly can prevent you from potentially losing thousands of dollars and a lot of hassle.
Consider setting card spending alerts so you’re notified immediately for any large transactions – then call your bank or card issuer as soon as you see a charge you don’t recognize. The sooner you report fraudulent charges, the sooner it can be resolved and the less the damage might be.
Prefer credit cards over debit cards
Credit cards are safer than debit cards because credit card companies will be much more likely to rapidly reimburse you in case of fraudulent transactions, plus they will not drain your bank account. In addition, the algorithms used by credit card companies for fraud detection will alert the user in case of suspicious transactions. When using a credit card for online transactions, you can be sure that you are protected financially.
You can protect your card info further by using a virtual credit card number, available through some lenders when making online purchases. Virtual card numbers are temporary and add a further layer of security by limiting exposure to your actual card details.
Avoid public Wi-Fi
When shopping online, if you’re using public Wi-Fi, you are almost asking for trouble. These networks are often unsecured so it makes it easier for hackers to get your data. If you want to shop online, make sure you’re using a secure, private internet connection. If you have no choice but to use public Wi-Fi, the safest thing to do is use a Virtual Private Network (VPN) to secure your connection and your personal information. Also, public spaces can be full of cyber threats, so keep your Bluetooth and file-sharing options disabled on your device to avoid exposing yourself.
In fact, such networks are a top destination for cybercriminals, who set up fake access points to steal data as it passes through. When it comes to financial transactions, it is best to avoid public Wi-Fi. If such access is unavoidable, a good firewall and reliable antivirus software can add an extra layer of protection.
Update your software
Make sure to always keep your operating systems, browsers and antivirus software up to date. These updates can block access points that criminals can exploit to get into your systems, steal passwords, or download malicious software. Set updates to automatically install and you will never have to worry about it again. You wouldn’t leave your front door unlocked or the keys in the ignition of your car, so don’t leave your software out to dry. Running old software can hinder your security by keeping open security holes that criminals can still use to gain access to your systems. Keeping your software up to date is one of the simplest ways to improve your cybersecurity.
You should regularly check to make sure that all the apps and plugins you’ve installed are running the latest versions because these are points of potential entry for nasties. You should also conduct regular security checks and scans to spot vulnerabilities before they are exploited. Updates not only improve the performance of your machine but can also strengthen the safeguards for your sensitive information.
Use WOT to shop safely during Black Friday & Cyber Monday
WOT (Web of Trust) is an important tool for use in shopping online during Black Friday and Cyber Monday. Available as a browser extension and as a mobile app, there are many different ways that this tool can keep you safe from cyber threats:
Safe browsing
A remarkable tool that WOT employs is Safe Browsing. This tells you if the link you’ve clicked on or the site you’re about to visit is suspicious or malicious. It’s the perfect way of providing near-instant protection against threats. Safe browsing is especially crucial during sales events when there are a lot more scams and phishing sites than normal. Its alerts can help you protect yourself while you browse the net by giving you real-time warnings about dangerous sites.
In addition to alerting you, WOT determines website reputations through an algorithm based on user feedback and data from different sources and provides you with a complete overview of any potential threat. With WOT, you receive immediate visual notifications about the safety status of a site right from the platform, and you can choose to browse or not, depending on the warning.
Safe shopping
WOT’s Safe Shopping feature helps you identify shopping sites that are reliable, safe, and secure. Every time you visit a site, you will be shown a WOT rating based on user feedback and reputation, so you can decide whether you should trust the site or not. It has the following features:
- Website Ratings: Ratings from customers on the reputation and security of a site.
- Warning: If a site is reported for potential phishing, scam, or other danger, WOT will alert you not to proceed with the sale.
- Privacy: Check whether the website respects user privacy and doesn’t excessively track you or misuse private data taken from you.
- Community Reviews: Other users who have shopped at the site read and reviewed their past purchases to give you a sense of the experience.
- Real-Time Threat Alerts: Get notifications of emerging threats, such as recently discussed breaches or scams associated with shopping sites.
In addition, you can enjoy safe surfing on the move with the WOT app (Available for Android and iOS). This mobile platform stays with you and instantly displays the ratings and warnings for a site that you visit. You can shop online, read and check other site visitors’ reviews, and feel safe in the knowledge that the ratings you see will help you decide which sites you trust and which ones you should steer clear of. The ratings, warnings, privacy protection, community reviews, and real-time threat alerts comprise a living safety layer that will help you avoid the hazards of online shopping and help you make your best deals.
WiFi scanning
Thanks to today’s plethora of public Wi-Fi networks, shopping online in public can be a breeze – but it can also be very risky, especially when you aren’t using an encrypted, secure public network. WOT’s Wi-Fi Scanning feature scans for locally available Wi-Fi networks, helping you ensure that your connection is safe before you log in to shop at your favorite retail sites. So, if you want to use your favorite café or local library to shop online, but don’t want to endanger your internet connection, Wi-Fi Scanning is a great feature for you.
WOT checks for dangerous networks and guards you against the risk of untrusted Wi-Fi connections – specifically, the danger of man-in-the-middle attacks in which a hacker intercepts communications between your device and the internet. If you are an online shopper, a quick check of network security before completing a transaction is just common sense.
Stay safe during your online shopping spree
While the two of the biggest shopping days of the year are great opportunities to get the perfect gift at an amazing price, it also means that more cybercriminals are waiting to get their hands on your money and personal information. Thankfully, by combining these best-practice security tips with WOT for safer Black Friday and Cyber Monday shopping, the risk of falling prey to online scams will be significantly reduced. So, shop away, just be sure to use your head and buy with your eyes wide open.
These are the perfect times to celebrate and enjoy great bargains, but the excitement of finding hot deals must be tempered with a healthy dose of caution before you fall prey to one of the many hidden pitfalls in cyberspace. By employing the simple safety measures we have outlined, you too can safely make the most of your shopping experience.
FAQs
How can I identify a secure website for online shopping?
Look for the letters ‘https://’ in the address bar, and a padlock icon. That’s the proper procedure for encrypting a site, and it protects most of your data from eavesdroppers. Check for user reviews and third-party security ratings, too.
What should I do if I receive a suspicious email during Black Friday or Cyber Monday?
Don’t click on any links or open any attachments, check if the offer is genuine by going to the retailer’s website via your browser, and use spam-filtering software to identify suspect emails straight away.
Why is it more secure to use a credit card than a debit card to buy online?
As a plus, credit cards usually guarantee much better fraud protection than debit cards, and you are reimbursed quicker for fraudulent transactions. This is because the credit card companies have very good systems in place to deal with fraud.
How can I keep track of my online purchases and detect possible fraud?
Keep an eye on your bank and credit card statements for fraudulent purchases throughout the season, or consider setting up transaction alerts with your bank. Maintain a paper trail of your purchases, including transaction numbers and receipts.
What precautions should I take when shopping online using public Wi-Fi?
When using public, open Wi-Fi networks, do not enter any personal or payment information. Use a secure, private line or a VPN to protect your data from pickpockets. Look around and make sure no one is over your shoulder while you enter such information.