Cybersecurity Warning: Holiday Shoppers Face Increased Threats

Derek Manky, Chief Security Strategist and Global VP of Threat Intelligence at FortiGuard Labs, along with his role as a board advisor for Threat Alliances, has shed light on the significant security risks that arise during the holiday season. As the festive period approaches, the surge in online shopping—during events such as Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and other holiday sales—becomes a magnet for cybercriminals. This increased online activity, while benefiting businesses and consumers, also presents a ripe opportunity for malicious actors to exploit vulnerabilities in digital systems.

A recent report from FortiGuard Labs titled Understanding Threat Actor Readiness for the Upcoming Holiday Season delves into the advanced tactics cybercriminals are preparing to deploy during this year’s shopping rush. The report offers insights into how attackers are evolving their methods and the tools they are using, many of which are sourced from the darknet. This provides a unique and alarming perspective on the growing sophistication of cyber threats that consumers and businesses must navigate during the peak holiday shopping season. The report also offers practical advice to help both shoppers and organizations safeguard themselves against these emerging threats.

The heightened online activity of the holiday season provides cybercriminals with the perfect opportunity to exploit the influx of digital transactions. With the use of increasingly sophisticated tools, attackers are more equipped than ever to target e-commerce platforms and unsuspecting shoppers. These tools and services, available on the darknet, allow criminals to infiltrate online shopping environments and launch a range of attacks. Among the methods gaining traction this year are AI-powered phishing scams, the use of website cloning tools, and remote code execution (RCE) exploits, which enable attackers to gain unauthorized access to e-commerce platforms. AI-driven technologies are particularly concerning, as they enable attackers to create highly convincing phishing emails or counterfeit websites that can trick users into revealing sensitive data, such as login credentials or financial information.

One of the most troubling trends highlighted in the report is the rise of deceptive holiday-themed domains. Cybercriminals are increasingly registering domains that mimic well-known, trusted retailers, using these fake websites to lure unsuspecting shoppers with fraudulent offers. By creating what appear to be legitimate shopping sites, attackers can effectively steal customers’ credit card details or login credentials. Alongside this, sniffing tools—used to intercept sensitive data—are also gaining traction, allowing attackers to capture valuable personal information during online transactions.

The report outlines several key findings from the darknet that underscore the evolving threat landscape. One significant development is the use of generative AI to craft shopping-themed phishing lures. Cybercriminals are using AI models like ChatGPT to generate realistic-looking phishing emails that mimic legitimate communications from well-known retailers or financial institutions. These emails often promote holiday deals, tricking consumers into disclosing sensitive information or clicking on malicious links. This trend marks a notable shift in the sophistication of phishing attacks, making it more difficult for even tech-savvy consumers to distinguish between legitimate and fraudulent messages.

Additionally, the report reveals that e-commerce platforms are particularly vulnerable this holiday season. A growing number of holiday-themed domains are being registered to imitate major brands like Amazon and Walmart, with the goal of deceiving consumers into making purchases on fake websites. Popular e-commerce platforms, including Adobe Commerce, Shopify, and WooCommerce, are also being targeted due to weak configurations, outdated plugins, and security gaps. Attackers are leveraging sniffing tools to capture customer data and using RCE exploits to gain administrative access to these platforms, further compromising the security of online shoppers and businesses alike.

The darknet is also fueling the growth of cybercrime by offering a wide array of services and tools that enable attackers to operate with relative ease. The report highlights an increase in the sale of stolen gift cards, credit card data, and compromised e-commerce site databases on the darknet. Additionally, phishing kits—sold for prices ranging from $100 to $1,000 depending on their complexity—are making it easier for even low-skilled attackers to set up and execute phishing campaigns. Custom tools for sniffing, brute-forcing login credentials, and other malicious activities are also readily available, enabling a wider range of individuals to participate in cybercrime.

The risks for businesses are escalating as well. In addition to the threats posed by phishing scams, businesses are at heightened risk of financial information theft through fake websites and compromised e-commerce platforms. Unpatched software, weak credentials, and insecure admin panels provide attackers with opportunities to breach systems, leading to data theft, fraudulent transactions, and potential damage to the company’s reputation. These vulnerabilities can have serious consequences for businesses, particularly during the high-traffic holiday season when security breaches are more likely to be noticed by consumers and the media.

In light of these growing threats, it is crucial for both shoppers and businesses to adopt proactive cybersecurity measures to minimize the risks. For shoppers, vigilance is key. Double-checking URLs to ensure they are legitimate before entering any sensitive information, using secure payment methods like credit cards with fraud protection, and avoiding shopping over public Wi-Fi networks can significantly reduce the chances of falling victim to cybercrime. Additionally, enabling multi-factor authentication (MFA) on online accounts adds an extra layer of protection. Shoppers should also regularly monitor their financial statements for any unauthorized transactions and report any suspicious activity immediately.

For businesses, ensuring a robust cybersecurity posture is vital. Regularly updating e-commerce platforms and plugins, conducting vulnerability scans, and implementing advanced fraud detection tools can help detect and mitigate potential threats. Educating customers about phishing risks and encouraging safe shopping practices are also critical steps. Monitoring domain registrations for potentially fraudulent websites and reporting them promptly can help protect a brand’s reputation and consumer trust. Moreover, securing admin panels with strong, unique passwords and restricting access to authorized personnel can help prevent unauthorized breaches.

Ultimately, the holiday season should be a time of celebration, not a period of cybersecurity risk. By staying informed and taking appropriate measures, both shoppers and businesses can help ensure that this holiday season remains a safe and enjoyable time for all. The FortiGuard Labs report provides valuable insights into the evolving threat landscape, offering actionable steps for protecting yourself, your business, and your customers from the growing cyber threats associated with the holiday shopping frenzy. By understanding these threats and acting swiftly, both consumers and organizations can enjoy a more secure holiday season.