Black Friday is a frenzy of online shopping that attracts not only consumers looking for bargains, but also cybercriminals. Scams are many and varied, targeting both your personal data and your finances. In this article, discover the 7 major risks you could face, along with tips to avoid them.
1. Fake online stores
The trap:
Scammers create websites that look exactly like those of major retailers. They display incredible deals to entice you to buy. Once you have entered your bank details, you never receive your order.
Example: An internet user comes across an "official website" offering a smartphone at 70% off. They make the purchase, but find that the site disappears shortly afterward.
Tip: Always check the URL and look for reviews before buying from a site you don't know.
2. Email or text message scams (phishing)
The trap:
Fraudulent messages imitate well-known brands, prompting you to click on links to take advantage of an offer or fix a fictitious problem. These links often lead to pages designed to steal your personal or banking information.
Example: You receive an email supposedly from Amazon claiming there is a problem with your order. When you click the link, you are redirected to a site that collects your login credentials.
Tip: Never click on links in a suspicious email. Go directly to the official website by typing its address into your browser.
3. Malicious mobile apps
The trap:
Some apps downloaded outside the official stores contain malware. This malware can steal your data or take control of your device.
Example: An app claiming to offer Black Friday vouchers quietly collects your passwords and banking data.
Tip: Only download apps from official sources such as Google Play or the App Store.
4. Unsecured public Wi-Fi
The trap:
When you shop over a public Wi-Fi network, cybercriminals can intercept your data, including your banking information.
Example: A user places an online order from a coffee shop. A hacker connected to the same network captures their credit card details using a spying tool.
Tip: Avoid using public Wi-Fi to make purchases, and only enter your banking details on a secure network.
5. Malware via ads (malvertising)
The trap:
Cybercriminals distribute online ads infected with malware. By clicking on them, you can unknowingly install a harmful program.
Example: An ad for a Black Friday discount opens a page containing ransomware, blocking access to your data.
Tip: Install a good antivirus and be wary of ads that look too good to be true.
6. Fake discount voucher scams
The trap:
Promotions circulate by text message or on social media, offering vouchers in exchange for a token payment or filling out a form. In reality, they steal your data.
Example: You receive a Facebook message offering a €100 voucher for a supermarket, but you have to enter your bank details to "validate" the voucher.
Tip: Be wary of promotions that ask for a payment or your personal information.
7. Hacked accounts on e-commerce sites
The trap:
Hackers try to break into your accounts on shopping sites to make purchases without your knowledge or access your personal information.
Example: A cybercriminal uses a stolen password on a shopping site to access your account and place orders in your name.
Tip: Enable two-factor authentication on your online accounts and use unique passwords for each site.
8. AI-based scams and threats
The trap:
Cybercriminals are increasingly using artificial intelligence to generate convincing content, such as fraudulent emails, messages or websites, making attacks harder to detect. Techniques include voice spoofing, the creation of fake profiles and hyper-personalized messages impersonating colleagues or brands.
Example: You receive an AI-generated message that appears to come from your bank or an e-commerce site, asking you to confirm your personal information. The message is highly credible and can fool even cautious users.
Tip: Be vigilant with unexpected messages, always check the sender and use official channels for any confirmation. Ongoing training and the use of appropriate security solutions can help reduce the risks.
Why backing up your data is essential
Regularly backing up your data is a crucial preventive measure against cyberattacks, especially ransomware. If malware blocks access to your files, a recent, secure backup lets you restore them without paying the ransom.
At Kiwi Backup, we offer reliable backup solutions to protect your personal and business data, while ensuring fast restoration when needed. Don't let cybercriminals ruin your Black Friday!
Need advice on securing your data? Discover our solutions now!