Cyber Security Awareness: How to Avoid Becoming a Victim on Cyber Monday

As Cyber Monday approaches, millions of shoppers are gearing up to find the best deals online. However, they are not alone in seizing the opportunity. Cyber criminals also gear up to take advantage of this occasion by luring victims with phishing emails disguised as Cyber Monday deals. The holiday season brings an undeniable sense of excitement as people eagerly seek discounts on a wide range of products. While the excitement of finding incredible discounts is palpable, it’s crucial to remain vigilant against the cyber threats accompanying online shopping. Each year, threat actors step up with something new to capitalise on the flux of online shoppers and the growing sophistication of cyber scams.

Here, we will discuss some common cyber threats during Cyber Monday, as well as protective measures to reduce your risk of falling victim to scams.

Common Cyber Threats on Cyber Monday

Scammers use various tactics to trick people during Black Friday and Cyber Monday. Here are some of the most common threats to be aware of this holiday season.

Brand Impersonation Scams

Brand impersonation becomes a growing concern during high-traffic shopping periods such as Black Friday and Cyber Monday as the majority of people flock to the shopping sites. Scammers often exploit popular, well-known sites by creating counterfeit websites, advertisements, or videos that appear legitimate and offer huge discounts, such as the PlayStation5. These fraudulent schemes deceive consumers into believing they are purchasing legitimate products from trusted brands.

To mitigate the risk of falling victim to such scams, consumers are advised to:

• Verify the URL: Check the URL to ensure you are on the brand or retailer’s official website. Look for a secure connection marked by “https://” and be cautious of unfamiliar or slightly altered domain names.
• Research the Seller: Before responding to an advertisement or purchasing from an unfamiliar website, verify the seller’s reputation by checking for reviews or confirming through reputable sources.
• Avoid Deals That Seem Too Good to Be True: If an offer on high-demand items, such as a PlayStation 5, appears exceptionally discounted, it is likely a scam. Genuine discounts typically offer more realistic pricing, especially for high-value items.

Seasonal Festive Offers

During the festive period, consumers get many digital offers, whether for last-minute gift purchases, post-holiday discounts, or seasonal employment opportunities. These offers are typically sent via various methods, including advertisements on social media, text messages concerning subscription renewals, and promotional e-gift emails. However, it’s essential to understand that some offers are legitimate. These offers can also be intended to exploit consumers.

Consumers should remain vigilant and adopt the following precautions:

• Scrutinise Email Links and QR Codes: Avoid clicking on suspicious links or scanning QR codes from unknown or untrusted sources.
• Check the Sender’s Information: Be cautious of emails or text messages from unfamiliar senders, especially those that seem too good to be true.
• Use Security Software: Ensure your device is protected by up-to-date antivirus and anti-malware software. These programs can help detect and block phishing attempts.

Fake Delivery Scams

The holiday season also becomes a prime target for cyber criminals who attempt fake delivery scams by sending fraudulent refund claims and fake delivery notifications. Cyber criminals often impersonate trusted organisations, such as retailers or logistics companies, to deceive individuals into providing personal or financial information under the guise of processing refunds. Typically, these scams claim that the user is entitled to a refund, but to receive it, they must share sensitive details such as banking information, passwords, or personal identifiers.

Here are some tips to protect yourself from fake delivery scams:

• Be Cautious with Unsolicited Refund or Delivery Requests: Legitimate companies will never ask for personal or financial information via unsolicited emails, texts, or phone calls.
• Do Not Share OTPs or Authentication Codes: Never provide OTPs or authentication codes to anyone, even if the request appears to come from a trusted company.
• Examine Links and Email Addresses: Always verify the legitimacy of links within emails or text messages. Hover over links to check the URL and ensure it leads to an official website.

Ransomware-as-a-Service (RaaS)

The cyber crime risk extends beyond personal information, as businesses face heightened threats during the holiday season and Black Friday week. Ransomware attacks targeting organisations increase this time of year, mainly due to the substantial volume of personal and financial information being collected through online transactions. This surge in consumer data presents more opportunities for cyber criminals to exploit personal and corporate data, often using it as leverage for attacks on businesses.

Safety tips to mitigate the risk of ransomware

• Implement Strong Email and Communication Security: Use advanced email filtering systems to detect and block spear-phishing emails and fraudulent communication attempts.
• Regularly Update and Patch Systems: Ensure that all software and security systems are up-to-date with the latest patches and security updates.
• Adopt Multi-Layered Security Practices: Protect sensitive business data through Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) and other access controls to prevent unauthorised entry.

Conclusion

The cyber shopping season can be dangerous for shoppers, as cyber criminals constantly adapt their tactics to exploit consumers. However, by maintaining vigilance and implementing robust security measures, individuals can significantly reduce the risk of falling victim to cyber crimes. It’s crucial to remain vigilant and follow the necessary proactive measures. Scammers prey on the excitement of holiday bargains, using enticing offers to lure unsuspecting shoppers into fraudulent schemes. To ensure a safe and enjoyable holiday shopping experience, protect your personal and financial information. Make sure you don’t share sensitive details with unverified sources, and use secure payment methods.

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