This post was originally published here by (ISC)² Management.
UPS, FedEx, USPS and other delivery workers have been on overdrive for weeks. Online shopping can ease the stress of the season, but is it safer to confront the crowds?
Let’s be honest, consumers are not waiting until off hours to fill their digital carts. Hackers prey on the knowledge that it’s ever more difficult for end users to distinguish the difference between fraudulent and valid emails, which presents security issues to the enterprise as well. For the cybersecurity of end users (and the companies where they work) many headlines this week, have shared tips on how to avoid falling victim to a scam.
Since Black Friday and Cyber Monday, we’ve seen a lot of news highlighting the threats to consumer data with online shopping. As the holiday shopping season comes to a close, shoppers are still being warned to heed caution. Yes, phishing scams pose real threats to consumers and enterprises alike.
It’s easy to get swept away in the fear, uncertainty and doubt the security of e-commerce. Here are just a few highlights of buyer beware stories that may very well be security vulnerabilities. It’s worth noting, though, that some present very little actual risk, particularly to those who click with caution.
Dec. 18. Yes, phishing scams increase at this time of year, but the reality is that online threats to privacy and data exist around the clock every day of the year. It’s good to be vigilant now, but it’s also important to remain on alert and practice good digital hygiene all year long.
Dec. 19. Buyers weren’t really being aware of the risks when they saw the promise of a great online deal. The holidays are not a time when anyone wants to learn the hard way, but these shoppers sat waiting for gifts that never came.
Dec. 20. Malicious emails about package delivery issues have increased for both Amazon and UPS as well. This shopping guide comprises several popular scams to be cautious of in ordering and waiting for the delivery of packages.
The Better Business Bureau warns about the prevalence of these scams, which makes it more difficult to realize the security measures that are in place to protect against online threats.
Dec. 21. The FedEx email scam in which the subject line reads: “FedEx: Delivery Problems Notification preys on shopper anxiety and does pose actual risk. If a user clicks on the attachment, it delivers a virus when opened.
Online retailers are not the only way that scammers are trying to lure consumers into scams. There’s also a growing black market trade in heavily discounted travel services.
In this episode of “The Source”, experts weigh in on whether Shoppers are more vulnerable to cyberattacks during holidays and offer advice on how to protect private data.
Photo:India.com
