Cybersecurity Risks of Black Friday in the UK

Written by James Turnbull, Account Executive at Eskenzi PR Black Friday has become a staple of the UK shopping calendar, with millions flocking online to secure the best deals. However, this shopping frenzy is also a magnet for cybercriminals who exploit the increased online activity to target unsuspecting consumers and businesses. “Black Friday offers bargains for savvy shoppers, but it also poses security risks for consumers and businesses alike. To illustrate what we mean, the UK alone saw losses exceeding £11.5 million due to online shopping scams between November 2023 and January 2024”, say Jamie Akhtar, Co-founder and CEO of CyberSmart. With cyber threats becoming more sophisticated each year, understanding these risks is crucial to staying safe. This article explores the cybersecurity challenges of Black Friday, their impact, and the steps everyone can take to protect themselves.  The Cyber Threat Landscape During Black Friday  Black Friday provides a fertile ground for a range of cyber threats. One of the most common risks is phishing. Cybercriminals craft fraudulent emails, text messages, and social media ads that mimic legitimate retailers, luring shoppers with promises of exclusive discounts or limited-time offers. Once the victim clicks on these links, they may be directed to fake websites designed to steal personal information or payment details.  Another significant threat is the proliferation of fake e-commerce websites. These fraudulent sites are often highly convincing, mimicking the look and feel of legitimate retailers. “Clicking that “amazing deal” link could lead you to a fake website that steals your credit card information. In fact, according to Target’s security team, scammers frequently create fake Target websites during Black Friday, often using similar-looking domain names and copied logos to trick shoppers”, According to Paul Bischoff, Consumer Privacy Advocate at Comparitech.  Credential stuffing is another tactic that sees a sharp rise during Black Friday. Cybercriminals use stolen login credentials from previous data breaches to access accounts on popular retail platforms. Since many people reuse passwords across sites, these attacks often succeed, giving attackers access to stored payment methods and personal details.  Social media platforms also serve as a hunting ground for cybercriminals during Black Friday. Fraudulent ads or posts from fake influencer accounts promote deals that direct users to malicious websites or encourage them to transfer money via untraceable methods. These scams are particularly effective, as users often trust deals they encounter in their social feeds.  Retailers themselves are not immune to Black Friday cyber risks. Distributed Denial-of-Service (DDoS) attacks can overwhelm online stores, causing outages and disrupting sales. While some attackers aim to extort businesses, others use these attacks as a diversion to infiltrate more sensitive systems.  Impacts on Consumers and Businesses  The consequences of these threats are profound, affecting individuals and organisations alike. For consumers, financial loss is one of the most immediate and tangible impacts. Falling victim to scams or malware can result in unauthorised transactions, and recovering lost funds can be a lengthy and stressful process. Beyond the financial hit, identity theft is another risk, with stolen personal information being used for fraudulent purposes such as taking out loans or opening credit accounts. This not only causes financial difficulties but also creates significant emotional distress.  Businesses face equally serious repercussions. Reputational damage is a major concern; customers who associate a brand with a cyberattack may lose trust and take their business elsewhere. Legal liabilities can also arise if companies fail to adequately protect customer data, with fines under the UK GDPR potentially reaching millions of pounds. Operational disruption caused by DDoS attacks or ransomware can halt sales at the most critical time of year, leading to significant revenue loss and logistical headaches.  Best Practices for Consumers and Businesses  Staying safe during Black Friday requires vigilance and proactive measures from both consumers and businesses.  For consumers, one of the simplest yet most effective steps is verifying the legitimacy of websites before making purchases. “Research the organisation you are looking to purchase from, with a focus on Independent feedback about the seller, and the age of search engine results. If all of the results you get about the vendor are very recent, this could be a big red flag”, says Erich Kron, Securiry Awareness Advocate at KnowBe4. Shoppers should also avoid using public Wi-Fi networks when making transactions, as these connections are often unsecured and vulnerable to hackers. Instead, they can use a virtual private network (VPN) to ensure their data remains encrypted.  Secure payment methods, such as credit cards or trusted platforms like PayPal, offer additional layers of protection. Unlike debit cards or direct transfers, these methods often provide fraud coverage, allowing victims to recover their funds more easily. Consumers should also remain cautious of deals that appear too good to be true, as these are often used to bait victims. Keeping software and antivirus programs updated further reduces the risk of malware infections.  For businesses, robust cybersecurity measures are essential. Investing in tools like firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and secure payment gateways can significantly reduce the likelihood of breaches. Employee education is equally important, staff should be trained to recognise phishing attempts and other common cyber threats. Businesses should also monitor their systems for unusual activity, such as spikes in traffic or repeated login attempts, which could indicate an attack.  Regular data backups are another critical defence. If ransomware or a similar threat does disrupt operations, having a recent backup can minimise downtime and prevent data loss. Finally, clear communication with customers can build trust. Warning shoppers about known scams or providing safety tips not only helps consumers but also enhances a brand’s reputation as a responsible retailer.  Shop Smart  Black Friday represents a golden opportunity for both shoppers and businesses, but it also serves as a lucrative time for cybercriminals. By understanding the risks and adopting best practices, individuals and organisations can navigate this busy period safely. Awareness, preparation, and vigilance are key to ensuring that the excitement of finding a great deal isn’t overshadowed by the fallout of a cyberattack. As the digital shopping landscape continues to evolve, so must our approach to cybersecurity.