• Christmas is a time for gifts and more time with loved ones… unfortunately that doesn't stop cybercriminals from trying to get hold of your data.
• In the first half of 2022, attacks showed a 44% increase compared to the same date in 2021, according to Check Point Software's Mid-Year Report.
• On dates of high purchasing power, such as Amazon Prime Day, attacks increase even more, reaching even more than 35% compared to the average.
Christmas is always a special time for millions of people around the world. This happy season has the tradition of giving gifts as a token of affection and love, as well as getting together with loved ones we don't see often.
But it's also a special time for cybercriminals, as they take advantage of today's heavy shopping to ramp up phishing attacks, the ransomware, even dropping malware in emails. During this frenzied season of shopping for the perfect or last-minute Christmas gifts, cyber attacks are ramping up.
According to Check Point Software, during Amazon's Prime Day, for example, attacks related to the US company increased by 37% compared to the June average. Strategies range from creating websites that mimic those of another companys, through phishing emails, to ransomware attacks.
Check Point Software Technologies Ltd, a global specialist cyber security provider, wants to raise awareness among online shoppers to be vigilant at all times and take the necessary precautions when shopping for their gifts.
According to Check Point Software's Q3 2022 Brand Phishing Report, phishing is also a major player in online fraud, and last quarter DHL, the parcel delivery company, was the brand that suffered the most impersonation attempts from cyber criminals. At a time when e-commerce is stronger than ever, it is necessary to be extra careful with messages and similar invitations for amazing offers.
In order for consumers to shop safely and without mishaps, Check Point Software provides here some tips for a safe shopping experience:
1. Always buy from an authentic and reliable source: always look for the link on machine search engine you use, never click on links sent to you via email or text message, as they are potentially dangerous because many cybercriminals try to phish through these channels.
2. Be aware of domains: cybercriminals will always try to make the domains they create for the impersonated pages as similar as possible to the original, but they will always have some misspellings or the name will be wrong, so giving special attention to such details, we will be able to avoid future problems.
3. Deals that seem too good to be true will always be too good to be true: if an offer is too good to be true, it is probably a scam, even more so at this time when there are usually no big sales. Don't be fooled by amazingly low prices.
4. Always look for the lock: secure internet sites have the letters HTTPS at the beginning of the domain, unlike those that are not, which have HTTP without the final “s”. HTTPS websites are those that comply with international security standards.
5. You have endpoint security solutions: it is essential to have them for email as well as websites when we browse the Internet, as they can prevent this malware from spreading to the rest of your equipment or computers.
6. Always be on the lookout for password reset emails: companies will never ask you to reset your password unless you've requested it yourself, so if you receive an email asking you to change your password , the best thing to do is to go to the company's website and change your password from there.
“We all want to have a nice Christmas, buy presents for ourselves, our family and friends and have a peaceful holiday, but cybercriminals don't take holidays and that's why you have to be very careful, even more so in this time of time", says Konstantina Koukou, Cybersecurity Check Point Software Technologies Specialist. “Cyber attacks, as our reports point out, continue to increase, especially around such special festive periods as Christmas. Both ransomware and phishing are on the agenda for companies and individuals, so no one is exempt from the risk.”
