With Black Friday 2024 going on, Kaspersky has reported a significant rise in cyber threats targeting shoppers. From January to November 2024, the security company blocked over 38 million phishing attacks, a 25% increase compared to the previous year. These attacks primarily impersonated major retailers, banks, and online marketplaces, exploiting the surge in online shopping activity.
Kaspersky’s research reveals that 44% of the blocked phishing attempts were aimed at stealing banking details, marking a notable increase from last year’s 30%. Fraudsters often send fake emails mimicking trusted brands like Amazon, Walmart, and Etsy, offering false discounts and luring users to counterfeit websites. These fake sites, typically rife with errors, trick victims into disclosing personal and financial information, resulting in financial loss.
Another common scam involves fake prize giveaways, where cybercriminals promise expensive rewards, such as a free iPhone, in exchange for personal details and payments. These tactics prey on the urgency of limited-time offers to pressure victims into acting quickly.
The stolen data is often sold on dark web forums, with pricing depending on the quality and geographical origin of the data. For example, a set of stolen credit card details (known as “fullz”) can be sold for anywhere between $70 to $315, depending on the region and card information.
Dark web markets have even started to mirror the marketing tactics of legitimate retailers, offering discounts and promotions on stolen data in a similar fashion to Black Friday sales.
To protect against these threats, Kaspersky advises shoppers to avoid suspicious links and attachments, verify the authenticity of e-commerce websites, and use reliable security software. Consumers are also encouraged to review bank statements regularly to spot any unauthorized charges.
By following these safety measures, shoppers can enjoy a safer online shopping experience during the holiday season.
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