Cybersecurity on Black Friday: Great Deals… But Stay Alert!

Black Friday and Cyber Monday are the biggest online shopping events of the year. With discounts from 30% up to 90%, millions of shoppers rush to grab tech gadgets, fashion items, apps, software subscriptions, and more.

But while consumers are excited about the best deals of the year, cybercriminals are just as excited — because Black Friday has become a prime season for cyberattacks.

Why is Black Friday a High-Risk Cyber Period?

1. Massive Surge in Online Transactions
   More online payments and user registrations mean more attack opportunities.
   
   
2. Flood of Phishing Emails
   Fake “order confirmation,” “discount,” or “delivery issue” emails trick users into clicking malicious links.
   
   
3. Fake Shopping Websites & Cloned Brand Pages
   Cybercriminals create websites that look identical to trusted retailers, designed to steal login credentials or payment data.
   
   
4. Unbelievable Discounts Used as Bait
   Deals like “iPhone 15 Pro Max 85% OFF!” are used to trigger fast emotional decisions — before users verify legitimacy.

Common Cyber Threats During Black Friday

• Phishing Email > Fake promos or refund emails = Credential theft
• Fake E-Commerce Site > Copycat online stores = Money lost, no product
• Malware / Ransomware > Infected attachments disguised as receipts = System lockouts & ransom
• Credit Card Skimmers > Malicious code in checkout pages = Stolen financial data
• Fake Apps or Browser Extensions > “Discount coupon extensions” = Unauthorized access and spyware

How to Stay Safe While Shopping

For Individuals

• Enable 2-Factor Authentication (2FA)
• Only shop on trusted and verified websites
• Type the website URL manually — avoid clicking random links
• Use virtual credit cards or limited-limit payment methods
  
  

Final Thought: "A good deal isn’t worth a data breach."

• Black Friday should be fun — but staying secure must be part of the shopping strategy.
• Before clicking “Buy Now”, always think:
  - Is this safe?
  - Is this real?
  - Could this be a scam?

Don’t let a great discount turn into a cybersecurity disaster.

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