The most important shopping season of the year is approaching with the arrival of Black Friday, Cyber Monday and Christmas. However, this period also comes with an increase in cyberattacks and online scams, now sponsored by AI. According to the latest data from the Ministry of the Interior, in the first six months of 2024 more than 200,000 computer scams were recorded in Spain, representing an increase of 8% compared to the same period of the year previous.
AI as a tool for cybercriminals
Cisco Talos, the Cisco Cyber Intelligence Division warns of a new challenge in online fraud detection: the use of artificial intelligence. Cybercriminals are leveraging AI tools to generate increasingly convincing fraudulent emails and text messages, making it difficult to distinguish between legitimate offers and scams.
Common Scam Tactics
Cybercriminals are employing a variety of strategies to deceive consumers during this shopping season. Phishing and email spamming are common methods, as is the creation of fake apps and websites. They also often offer early access to so-called bargains, run non-existent giveaways, and sell counterfeit products. Angel Ortiz, The director of cybersecurity at Cisco Spain, emphasizes that these methods have the main objective of obtaining personal information, passwords and bank card numbers from users.
Tips to protect yourself from cyber scams
To help consumers stay safe this shopping season, Cisco Talos offers several important recommendations. It’s essential Beware of offers from unknown websites and avoid filling out forms requesting personal data. It is advisable to navigate directly to merchant websites instead of clicking on ads. Likewise, it is essential to be cautious of messages that generate a sense of urgency and to verify the legitimacy of companies that communicate via social networks.
Regarding online security, it is recommended to avoid making purchases on public or unknown WiFi networks, one of the recommendations given during Safe Internet Day. It’s important Download apps only from official and trusted stores. Last but not least, you should use complex and unique passwords, as well as implement multi-factor authentication to protect personal accounts.
The importance of prevention
“Clicking on fake links and sharing our personal data can take less than 60 seconds, the average duration of a successful phishing attack,” warns the Cisco manager. Therefore, consumers and traders must be particularly vigilant during the Christmas period and strengthen your cyber defenses with additional authentication and verification mechanisms.
The combination of Black Friday and Christmas shopping season The growing use of AI by cybercriminals represents a significant challenge for online security. Raising awareness and taking preventive measures are essential to enjoying a safe shopping experience during Black Friday and the Christmas holidays.
