Phishing scams targeting online shoppers during Black Friday have seen a significant increase, according to security researchers and the Uttar Pradesh Police’s cyber cell. This rise in fraudulent activity poses a threat to consumers’ personal and financial information.
Description
Between November 1 and November 14 [1], there was a staggering 237% surge in phishing emails related to Black Friday and Cyber Monday compared to the previous two months [1]. Cybercriminals exploit the heightened online activity during this period by sending out deceptive emails, newsletters [2], and messages [2]. Their goal is to deceive users into divulging sensitive information or clicking on malicious links. To avoid falling victim to these scams, consumers are advised to exercise caution when clicking on links in suspicious emails [2], as they may be redirected to counterfeit websites designed to steal personal data. It is crucial for users to verify the legitimacy of offers and ensure they have adequate anti-phishing and anti-malware protection in place [1]. The VP of threat intelligence predicts that this volume of phishing attempts will continue to rise.
Conclusion
The increase in phishing scams targeting online shoppers during Black Friday poses a significant risk to individuals’ personal and financial security. To mitigate this threat, it is essential for consumers to remain vigilant and adopt preventive measures such as verifying the authenticity of offers and maintaining robust anti-phishing and anti-malware protection. As cybercriminals become more sophisticated, it is crucial for individuals to stay informed about the latest scams and take proactive steps to safeguard their information. The continued rise in phishing attempts highlights the need for ongoing awareness and proactive security measures to protect against these evolving threats.
References
[1] https://www.infosecurity-magazine.com/news/phishing-emails-soar-237-black/
[2] https://www.news9live.com/business/buyers-beware-up-cyber-cell-warns-consumers-against-black-friday-scams-and-phishing-heres-how-to-protect-your-privacy-2359218
