TahawulTech.com
  • TahawulTech.com
  • Country/Region
    • UAE
      • UAE enterprises prioritise cloud, cyber skills to unlock AI transformation, says Coursera
      • Kyndry’s Agentic AI Framework to empower ME enterprises with scalable AI solutions
      • Exotel’s intelligent communication platform boosts patient care, efficiency at Medcare
      • Dubai-based self.space studios empower women through AI-driven privacy, culture
      • Presight and Abu Dhabi Police to advance AI-driven policing, smart city innovation
    • Saudi Arabia
      • Arthur D. Little appoints Goetz Kuras as ‘Partner’ in financial services practice 
      • MFTA launches Saudi Chapter, co-chaired by Mona Alsemayen and Sophie Guibaud 
      • Cluster 2 signs agreement to advance smart airport operations in Saudi Arabia
      • Nokia drives cloud-native, AI-driven, secure networks for hyperconnected world
      • Belkin unveils new gaming portfolio featuring power-packed charging accessories, gaming essentials
    • Oman
      • Microsoft AI Tour showcases groundbreaking AI innovations for Oman
      • Open Innovation AI collaborates with Intel to revolutionize AI orchestration with Gaudi
      • KROHNE delivers insights to inspire the next generation of engineers in Oman
      • Oracle supports major project to accelerate Oman digital economy
      • Ooredoo accelerates cybersecurity in Oman with new deal
    • Bahrain
      • Open Innovation AI collaborates with Intel to revolutionize AI orchestration with Gaudi
      • BDB launches “tijara” platform for SMEs
      • Bahrain achieves full nationwide 5G coverage
      • Batelco, SonicWall launch integrated security solutions for SMEs in Bahrain
      • Bahrain to offer COVID-19 test results on WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger
    • Kuwait
      • Open Innovation AI collaborates with Intel to revolutionize AI orchestration with Gaudi
      • Infopercept opens its first Middle East office in Kuwait
      • Microsoft Compliance Manager now available in Kuwait
      • Commercial Bank of Kuwait gets mobile payments moving with Thales Digital Solutions
      • Ooredoo chooses Fortinet to deliver secure SD-WAN managed services in Kuwait
    • Africa
      • Dubai’s Omining unveils first African site in Kenya’s Special Economic Zone
      • Rise of Fearless unites 2,500+ gamers through African heritage, battle royale
      • Rise of Fearless launches $700K investment round to advance Web3 mobile gaming in Africa 
      • e& enterprise and RAIN Technology to revolutionise Operating Room efficiency in hospitals across MEA
      • Open Innovation AI collaborates with Intel to revolutionize AI orchestration with Gaudi
    • Middle East
      • e& opens doors to Emirati future leaders with its 2025 AI Programme
      • Kanessa Muluneh champions fearless future in gaming and Web3
      • Arthur D. Little appoints Goetz Kuras as ‘Partner’ in financial services practice 
      • Driving resilience and sustainability in Middle East growing data centre boom
      • Amiseq’s Z‑Deploy to streamline, accelerate cybersecurity solutions; opens Dubai office
    • Global
      • Italy scrutinizes Meta over WhatsApp AI chatbot
      • India is now the top U.S smartphone supplier 
      • China advocates for global AI group
      • Apple and Google seen as having UK duopoly 
      • Spain’s wiretap contract with Huawei raises concerns
  • Industry
    • Education
      • Fujairah’s Young Techpreneurs Initiative Enters its final Phase
      • American University of Sharjah, Ghaf Labs partner to boost student industry exposure 
      • emt, DESC to deliver Cyberspace Leaders Program 2025 
      • MBZUAI’s MAILIS, AD Gaming to spotlight AI’s role in future of game development
      • ASUS examines the use of AI in Education at ‘The Tech Social’ Event
    • Energy
      • Google invests heavily in hydroelectric energy
      • Amazon enters nuclear energy partnership to power data centres
      • DOE inks agreement with Presight, AIQ for AI solutions and digital transformation 
      • Solis poised to transform Dubai’s skyline and deserts into beacons of sustainability
      • Open Innovation AI collaborates with Intel to revolutionize AI orchestration with Gaudi
    • Financial services
      • American University of Sharjah, Ghaf Labs partner to boost student industry exposure 
      • American based insurance giant suffers cyber breach
      • Qi, K2 Integrity join forces to align Iraq’s financial sector with global standards
      • ruya unveils AI-generated brand film: “You’ve Got Better Things to Do” 
      • MENA Fintech Association launches Türkiye Chapter in collaboration with Insha Ventures
    • Government
      • Nathan Ricks architects future of AI with empathy, ethics and digital intent
      • MBZUAI’s MAILIS, AD Gaming to spotlight AI’s role in future of game development
      • China introduces stricter online control with internet ID
      • OpenAI enters into lucrative deal with U.S. government 
      • Trump launches smartphone mobile service
    • Healthcare
      • Artificial Intelligence set to revolutionise healthcare’s future, says Dr. Azad Moopen 
      • Aster Clinics introduce Smyl AI – UAE’s first AI dental tool
      • Genomics company fined over data breach
      • SandboxAQ improves drug discovery with data creation
      • Aster DM Healthcare recognised for Workplace quality
    • Property
      • DLD boosts transparency with AI-enabled real estate advertising governance 
      • MBRHE and Beyond Limits AI MoU to enhance digital transformation
      • Huspy launches GCC’s first AI-powered mortgage chatbot to transform home financing  
      • DLD, VARA collaborate to boost leadership in realty and virtual assets regulation
      • Open Innovation AI collaborates with Intel to revolutionize AI orchestration with Gaudi
    • Retail
      • Belkin announces record-low prices on tech essentials for Amazon Prime Day 2025
      • Beyond Pixels: How next-gen LED displays are powering immersive brand experiences 
      • Global second-hand smartphone market sees annual drop
      • Hushday enters UAE market with private luxury sales and steep discounts
      • Jacky’s Business Solutions unveils Agentic AI offering to accelerate GCC’s autonomous business future
    • Technology
      • e& reports 60.7% increase in consolidated net profit, reaching Dh8.8 billion in H1 2025
      • New AI search feature launched by Google
      • Samsung to expand its AI offerings
      • Nvidia restarts manufacturing on H20 AI chips
      • Salesforce deploys Agentforce to support partners around the clock
    • Transport & Logistics
      • Hefring Marine launches new app for comprehensive fleet management 
      • EV maker Telsa sees collapse in sales
      • Cybercriminals set their sights on U.S. airlines
      • Tesla robotaxis draw concerns from U.S. regulators 
      • Small fleet of Tesla Robotaxi launches in Texas  
    • Travel & Hospitality
      • Sojern and PubMatic join forces to power next-gen travel advertising solutions
      • Cluster 2 signs agreement to advance smart airport operations in Saudi Arabia
      • 8th Int’l Conference on Education Quality kicks off in Dubai; highlights AI innovations
      • Arabian Travel Market to gather global AI experts to explore new frontiers in travel
      • Smartphones, social media drive travel decisions for Indians, says travel report
  • Company
    • Enterprise
      • Samsung struggles to keep up in the AI chip race
      • Telefonica phases out Huawei gear from its networks
      • Tenable named a leader in Unified Vulnerability Management Solutions
      • Intel lays off 15% of its staff
      • Apple and Google seen as having UK duopoly 
    • Corporate
      • Qlik expands cloud footprint with new AWS region in Middle East
      • PeopleStrong powers UAE’s talent shift, accelerates ME growth: Mrigank Tripathi
      • Microsoft names Samer Abu-Ltaif president for Europe, ME and Africa
      • Open Innovation AI collaborates with Intel to revolutionize AI orchestration with Gaudi
      • YouGotaGift CEO says ‘product-centricity’ the key to their phenomenal success
    • SME
      • AI-powered solutions shape future of SMEs, says Zoftware founder 
      • Open Innovation AI collaborates with Intel to revolutionize AI orchestration with Gaudi
      • Kaspersky exposes new scam targeting SMBs
      • Thriwe: Enhancing the Omni-channel experience
      • Alaris expands information capture ecosystem for SMEs
    • Startup
      • AI without borders: Startups leading the next global leap 
      • Secure Domains brings cutting-edge DNS protection to MENA region 
      • Open Innovation AI collaborates with Intel to revolutionize AI orchestration with Gaudi
      • Kaspersky exposes new scam targeting SMBs
      • Thriwe: Enhancing the Omni-channel experience
    • Vendor
      • Samsung struggles to keep up in the AI chip race
      • Italy scrutinizes Meta over WhatsApp AI chatbot
      • Mistral AI and NTT Data to develop secure enterprise products
      • Telefonica phases out Huawei gear from its networks
      • New AI search feature launched by Google
    • Channel
      • Mistral AI and NTT Data to develop secure enterprise products
      • Apple and Google seen as having UK duopoly 
      • Catch up on the highlights from our Channel Leadership Forum and Awards 2025
      • Cognigy and TeKnowledge collaborate to advance Agentic AI Adoption
      • CyberKnight and Nozomi Networks to empower enterprises throughout Africa
  • Trending
    • Digital Transformation
      • Internet of Things
      • Big Data
      • Blockchain
      • Smart City
      • Cloud Computing
    • Artificial Intelligence
      • Data Centre
      • Machine Learning
      • Virtual Reality
      • Robotics
      • Systems Integrator
      • E-commerce
    • 3D Printing
      • Self-driving Cars
      • Drones
      • Automation
      • Smartphones
      • Wearables
      • Virtualisation
    • Fintech
      • Storage
      • Mobile Payment
      • Startups
      • Applications
      • Security
  • News
    • All News
      • Samsung struggles to keep up in the AI chip race
      • Italy scrutinizes Meta over WhatsApp AI chatbot
      • Mistral AI and NTT Data to develop secure enterprise products
      • Telefonica phases out Huawei gear from its networks
      • e& reports 60.7% increase in consolidated net profit, reaching Dh8.8 billion in H1 2025
    • Software
      • Trump Administration threatens a U.S. TikTok ban 
      • X accused of breaching advertising rules 
      • WeTransfer clarifies stance on training AI
      • U.S. Senate votes on state-level AI regulation 
      • Redington launches Software Solutions Group to power digital-first future
    • Hardware
      • Apple weighs the value of AI-designed hardware
      • Netherlands talks with Nvidia and AMB over supply for AI-facility
      • ASUS Evo lineup: Enhancing the online experience
      • ASUS A3402-Next level computing performance
      • The UAE ranks 8th globally for the readiness of markets for electric transportation
    • Networking
      • T-Mobile’s U.S satellite service makes a nationwide debut
      • Nokia lowers 2025 profit outlook
      • X accused of breaching advertising rules 
      • TikTok’s data storage practices face scrutiny 
      • Reimagining distribution: AI drives the dawn of autonomous, intelligent supply chains
    • Security
      • Microsoft SharePoint suffers hack by Chinese groups
      • UK Government takes a stance on ransomware payments
      • Cisco partners help strengthen cyber resilience across region
      • Vectra AI named ‘Leader’ in first-ever Gartner Magic Quadrant for NDR
      • Catwatchful data breach exposes thousands in latest stalkerware scandal
    • Channel
      • Mistral AI and NTT Data to develop secure enterprise products
      • Apple and Google seen as having UK duopoly 
      • Catch up on the highlights from our Channel Leadership Forum and Awards 2025
      • Cognigy and TeKnowledge collaborate to advance Agentic AI Adoption
      • CyberKnight and Nozomi Networks to empower enterprises throughout Africa
    • Telecoms
      • MoIAT, e& ink MoU to empower ICV-certified small and medium-sized enterprises
      • UK operators seek to connect rural areas
      • Nedaa participates in CCW 2025 to boost partnerships in critical communications
      • Nokia drives cloud-native, AI-driven, secure networks for hyperconnected world
      • e& AGM approves 83 fils dividend per share for FY 2024
    • Video
      • Catch up on the highlights from our Channel Leadership Forum and Awards 2025
      • Catch up on the highlights from Bespin Global’s recent roundtable 
      • Relive all the thrills from the GovTech Innovation Forum and Awards 2025
      • Catch up on the highlights from Hitachi Vantara’s recent KSA roundtable
      • Seclore’s Saudi journey powers regional cybersecurity growth
  • Features
    • Features
      • How did Google’s earthquake warning system fail in 2023? 
      • “Security is embedded at every layer with our solutions”
      • “Security is not just an add-on, it is a core part of the infrastructure”
      • Future is “Agentic” and already unfolding 
      • Catch up on the highlights from our Channel Leadership Forum and Awards 2025
    • CIO Spotlight
      • DMCC
        Rare commodity: DMCC IT director Abdalla Al Ali
      • HSBC MENAT CIO Ghinwa Baradhi
        The bigger picture: HSBC MENAT CIO Ghinwa Baradhi
      • Mubadala Investment Company CIO Mansour Al Ketbi
        Mansour Al Ketbi unites IT teams for $125 billion Mubadala Investment Company
      • Tariq Al Usaimi, head of digital strategy for the Central Bank of Kuwait
        The new breed: National Bank of Kuwait CDO Tariq Al-Usaimi
      • Al Masah Capital CIO Ashith Piriyattiath
        Ashith Piriyattiath’s diverse & transformative GCC career
    • Case Studies
      • Survey reveals misalignment between cybersecurity and business goals in the UAE and KSA
      • 3,200+ fake Meta profiles used in Facebook scam attempt
      • Edenred UAE: Transforming Customer Service Over WhatsApp with Conversations and Answers
      • Customer Story: Nissan Saudi Arabia
      • elseco
        DIFC prioritises digital transformation to enhance connectivity and accessibility with Wi-Fi 6
    • Partner Watch
      • Juniper Networks Expands Partner Ecosystem Leveraging AI-Native Networking Solutions
      • Commvault selects AlJammaz Technologies as key distributor in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
      • Kaspersky signs MoU with Zayed University
      • F5 Appoints Al Jammaz as a Value-Added Distribution Partner
      • The time is now for RNS Managed Security Services
    • Vendor focus
      • Dell Technologies To Establish New Merge & Logistics Fulfilment Hub in Riyadh
      • Dell Technologies study reveals innovation leaders better equipped for economic challenges
      • A10 Networks partners on a mission to ‘accelerate’
      • “The world is on the verge of a new intelligent era powered by Industry 5.0” – David Shi, Huawei
      • Huawei signs new partnership in effort to accelerate SMBs digital transformation
    • Analysis
      • Emirati entrepreneurs learn, sell, and grow in a digital world, says new GoDaddy data 
      • Special Feature: Data Security in the Banking and Financial Sectors
      • Safeguarding Healthcare: Protecting Critical Data and Patient Privacy
      • Trend Micro Predictions Report Forecasts Cyber Fightback in 2022
      • Frost & Sullivan Names Tenable a Growth and Innovation Leader in the Global Vulnerability Management Market, 2021
    • Video
      • Catch up on the highlights from our Channel Leadership Forum and Awards 2025
      • Catch up on the highlights from Bespin Global’s recent roundtable 
      • Relive all the thrills from the GovTech Innovation Forum and Awards 2025
      • Catch up on the highlights from Hitachi Vantara’s recent KSA roundtable
      • Seclore’s Saudi journey powers regional cybersecurity growth
    • Lifestyle
      • Exotel’s intelligent communication platform boosts patient care, efficiency at Medcare
      • Dubai-based self.space studios empower women through AI-driven privacy, culture
      • Deliverect crosses 1 billion orders, boosts Middle East North Africa expansion plans
      • MBZUAI’s MAILIS, AD Gaming to spotlight AI’s role in future of game development
      • e& puts online safety first with new parental control service for families
    • Insight
      • Quantum-safe networks are cornerstone of tomorrow’s digital infrastructure
      • How did Google’s earthquake warning system fail in 2023? 
      • “Security is embedded at every layer with our solutions”
      • ServiceNow research shows that enterprises in the Middle East are struggling to get to grips with AI
      • “Security is not just an add-on, it is a core part of the infrastructure”
    • Opinion
      • Quantum-safe networks are cornerstone of tomorrow’s digital infrastructure
      • Future is “Agentic” and already unfolding 
      • Beyond Pixels: How next-gen LED displays are powering immersive brand experiences 
      • Artificial Intelligence set to revolutionise healthcare’s future, says Dr. Azad Moopen 
      • Companies must protect themselves against bots bypassing defenses 
    • Blogs
      • Opinion: TeKnowledge CTO on the Enterprise AI Execution Gap
      • Why I joined Cloudflare: To build world-class partnerships in EMEA
      • Revolutionising fan engagement in football through data, gamification, and smart stadium experiences
      • How enterprises can raise their cyber security readiness by going through 3 stages of preparation
      • Maestro Blocks: Transferring passion into businesses!
  • News
    • Region
      • Samsung struggles to keep up in the AI chip race
      • Italy scrutinizes Meta over WhatsApp AI chatbot
      • Mistral AI and NTT Data to develop secure enterprise products
      • Telefonica phases out Huawei gear from its networks
      • e& reports 60.7% increase in consolidated net profit, reaching Dh8.8 billion in H1 2025
  • Magazines
    • CNME
      • July 2025
      • May 2025
      • April 2025
      • March 2025
      • February 2025
    • Reseller ME
      • July 2025
      • May 2025
      • April 2025
      • February 2025
      • January 2025
    • Security Advisor ME
      • June 2025
      • May 2025
      • April 2025
      • March 2025
      • February 2025
    • 60 Minutes
      • 60mins Day 5 – PM (2024)
      • 60mins Day 5 – AM (2024)
      • 60mins Day 4 – PM (2024)
      • 60mins Day 4 – AM (2024)
      • 60mins Day 3 – PM (2024)
    • Supplements
      • GISEC 2025 – Special Report
      • GovTech – October 2024
      • GITEX Tech Vision 2024
      • LinkShadow Special Report October 2024
      • GovTech – May 2023
  • Events
    • Awards
      • Infosec & Cybersecurity Congress 2025
      • The Channel Leaders Forum & Awards 2025
      • The Future of Finance Conference
      • The Future Enterprise Awards
      • CISO 50 & Future Security Awards 2025
    • Customer Events
      • Infosec & Cybersecurity Congress 2025
      • Infosec & Cybersecurity Congress 2024
      • Infosec & Cybersecurity Congress 2023
      • Race to innovate | Your Voice | Tahawul Tech
        Race to Innovate
      • Combating credit crunch
    • Forums
      • Infosec & Cybersecurity Congress 2025
      • The Channel Leaders Forum & Awards 2025
      • The Future of Finance Conference
      • Women in Tech (Pride of Tech) Forum and Awards 2025
      • Tahawultech Conference 2025
    • Your Voice
      • Race to innovate | Your Voice | Tahawul Tech
        Race to Innovate
      • Combating credit crunch
      • Rise of e-commerce
      • Expectations vs Investment
    • Webinars
      • Freshworks virtual webinar highlights increasing role of IT industry in accelerating digital transformation
      • Mimecast virtual webinar highlights importance of brand protection
      • Huawei and IDC collaborate on Autonomous Network white paper
      • WEBINAR: Experience the Intelligent HPE Hyperconverged and Composable Infrastructure
      • WEBINAR: How Alpha Data and Veritas Enable Enterprises to Win the War Against Ransomware
  • GISEC 2025
  • LEAP 2025
Don’t show this ad again.
D-Link
Bahwan CyberTek
Fortinet
Features, Retail, Security, Technology

Navigating the Festive Cyber Landscape: Ensuring Online Safety during Holiday Shopping

Anita JosephDecember 20, 2023, 3:25 amDecember 20, 2023

Tahawultech.com spoke to cybersecurity industry frontrunners to learn more about the pitfalls of online shopping and  tips to shop safely this holiday season.

The holiday season brings not only joyous festivities but also a surge in online shopping. As consumers eagerly embark on the quest for the perfect gifts, the virtual marketplace becomes a bustling hub of activity. However, amidst the festive cheer and the convenience of online shopping, there exists a pressing need to prioritize cybersecurity and stay vigilant against potential threats.

The holiday season witnesses a substantial increase in online transactions, making it an opportune time for cybercriminals to exploit unsuspecting shoppers. With an array of enticing deals and promotions flooding the internet, the risk of falling victim to scams, phishing attacks, and identity theft becomes ever more prevalent. As the digital realm transforms into a vibrant marketplace, it is imperative for individuals to arm themselves with knowledge and adopt proactive measures to ensure a secure online shopping experience.

One of the primary concerns during holiday shopping is the proliferation of fraudulent websites and phishing scams. Cybercriminals often create deceptive platforms that mimic legitimate online stores, enticing shoppers with irresistible discounts. Unwary customers, in their pursuit of attractive deals, may unwittingly divulge sensitive personal information, such as credit card details and addresses, falling prey to identity theft and financial fraud. Recognizing the signs of a trustworthy website, verifying the site’s security protocols, and refraining from clicking on dubious links are critical practices that can safeguard users against these nefarious tactics.

Moreover, the prevalence of malware-laden advertisements and fake apps further underscores the need for heightened awareness. Cyber attackers employ sophisticated techniques to infiltrate devices through seemingly harmless applications or advertisements, jeopardizing the security of personal data. Shoppers must exercise caution, only downloading apps from official sources and refraining from clicking on suspicious ads. Employing reputable antivirus software and regularly updating security systems are additional measures that form a robust defense against malware threats.

The essence of secure online shopping extends beyond individual responsibilities to the broader e-commerce landscape. Retailers, too, play a pivotal role in fostering a safe digital environment. Implementing robust encryption measures, securing customer databases, and educating users about online safety are initiatives that contribute to the overall resilience of the online shopping ecosystem.

In this era of digital connectivity, where the allure of online shopping is irresistible, prioritizing cybersecurity during the holiday season is not merely a suggestion but a necessity. By adopting a proactive approach, staying informed about potential risks, and implementing best practices, consumers can revel in the convenience of virtual shopping without compromising the security of their personal and financial information. As the festive spirit permeates the digital realm, let us ensure that the joy of giving is not overshadowed by the looming threats in the cyber landscape.

Here’s what cybersecurity leaders have to say:

Chester Wisniewski, Director, Field CTO, Sophos

Use an ad blocker – Advertisements are not only tracking your every movement and collecting enough information on your habits to make the FBI blush, but they are also a major source of malicious links and deceptive content on the internet. Not only is your browsing safer, but also faster and uses less bandwidth. Two of our favorites are uBlock Origin and Ghostery.

Use private browsing or incognito mode – To prevent your shopping habits and interests from following you around from site to site (and potentially revealing what gifts you might be purchasing to others using your device, bonus!), you should enable private browsing (Firefox) or incognito mode (Chrome). This will block tracking cookies and help the internet forget your travels as the waves wash away your footprints in the sand.

Make your browser “privacy smart” – The Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) provides a browser extension called Privacy Badger designed to automatically make all the right choices around browsing whilst maintaining our privacy and blocking invisible trackers.

Avoid using one account on multiple services – When logging into an e-commerce site it is often tempting to use the “Sign in with Facebook” or “Sign in with Google” button. While it takes a few more minutes to create a new login, it will provide more privacy as you are not sharing all of the sites you shop at with these tech giants.

Use guest login when available – In addition to letting you use an account from other websites, many have an option to use a guest login rather than creating a new account. This is a great option if you don’t expect to need technical support or to do business on a recurring basis. Fewer passwords, fewer personal details, fewer problems if they get hacked.

Don’t save card details – Many e-commerce sites will default to storing your credit card information in your profile for your “convenience” (or their hope you’ll shop there again). They can’t lose what they don’t have, so tell them not to store your credit card unless it is absolutely necessary.

Use temporary card numbers – Many financial institutions now offer temporary or one-time use credit card numbers. You can open the app on your phone or in your browser and get a single-use disposable credit card number preventing card fraud and tracking when merchants share card processors. Sometimes you’re even able to specify a card limit per temporary number to further protect your account.

Use credit, not debit – All of us need to be wary of overspending during the holidays, but it is best to leave the debit card at home. Credit cards offer significantly more protection against online fraud, and you are in the power position in a dispute. You can simply not pay your bill while disputing the charge, rather than having criminals directly drain your bank account of your hard-earned cash.

Ezzeldin Hussein, Regional Director, Sales Engineering – SentinelOne

Email Scams & Social Engineering

Email phishing scams involving deceptive messages that appear as legitimate promotional offers or urgent notifications are designed to trick recipients into revealing sensitive information or tempt them into downloading malware. Social engineering plays a pivotal role, manipulating shoppers to divulge personal details or click on malicious links.

Email scams often involve gift card fraud with scammers coercing victims to purchase gift cards under the guise of resolving issues, subsequently taking off with the funds. Fake order confirmations are also common, often including convincing logos and graphics to trick shoppers into clicking on malicious links.

Social media platforms are also breeding grounds for scams, with fake advertisements, pyramid schemes disguised as gift exchange games, and too-good-to-be-true deals leading users to spoofed websites.

Spoofed Websites, Malvertising & E-Skimming

Major discounts create a prime hunting ground for threat actors employing sophisticated techniques such as spoofed websites, malvertising, and e-skimming to exploit unsuspecting shoppers.

Spoofed websites mimic legitimate online retailers, leading users to unwittingly share personal and financial information. Malvertising infiltrates legitimate advertising networks, placing malicious ads on seemingly trustworthy websites and compromising the user’s device upon interaction. E-skimming involves the malicious injection of code into online payment forms, enabling cybercriminals to intercept and steal sensitive payment information during transactions.

Credit Card & Identity Fraud

Threat actors take advantage of the busyness of the holiday period to steal credit card details and digital identities. Credit card fraud involves the unauthorized use of credit card information for illicit transactions, often through compromised online platforms. Identity fraud, on the other hand, entails the theft of personal information to impersonate individuals for fraudulent activities.

Magecart malware, for example, is a malicious script that infiltrates and compromises eCommerce websites to harvest sensitive information, primarily credit card details and other personal data.

The malware intercepts and captures user input, such as credit card information entered during online transactions, without the knowledge of the website owner or the unsuspecting users. The harvested data is exfiltrated to remote servers controlled by cybercriminals, who can exploit it for various fraudulent activities, including unauthorized transactions and identity theft.To protect against credit card and identify fraud.

Satnam Narang, Senior Staff Research Engineer at Tenable

“Often, scams that appear during these holidays may be riddled with inaccuracy in spelling and grammar, but the availability of generative AI closes the gap between the novice scammer with poor spelling and grammar and gives them a competitive edge they’ve never had before. Scammers will use these tools this year as part of their scams and will find more success than in years past.”, Satnam Narang, Senior Staff Research Engineer.

One byproduct of the gold rush in generative AI is the push across a variety of mediums, including in video, to help drive improvements to things like deep fakes. Earlier this year, Tenable senior staff research engineer, Satnam Narang, discovered how MrBeast, the biggest YouTube star in the world with over 188 million subscribers, was impersonated on TikTok to promote a fake iPhone 15 giveaway. The deepfake was a big improvement over what we’ve seen in the past. During this holiday season, it is not unexpected to witness scammers capitalizing on the popularity of MrBeast and other social media influencers to promote giveaways and scams.

An old tactic that remains prevalent each year is the promotion of free gift cards for $500-1000 to various brands, from Apple and Sephora to Cash App and Spotify, on various social media platforms including Instagram and TikTok. These gift cards aren’t free, as they require users to reveal personal information and purchase premium offers, such as free trials, which will cost them money in the long run if they don’t follow the fine print and cancel.

Social media is the perfect place to catch distracted users off guard. Today, cybercriminals can begin their scams on one social network and drive users to another one. Fake profiles are rampant and scammers can create hundreds of accounts to legitimize their scams. These existing tactics combined with the current boom of generative AI and use of deep fakes creates a dangerous situation for users, added Satnam Narang.

Related Articles

  • Catch up on the highlights from our Channel Leadership Forum and Awards 2025
  • “Meraki’s use of AI and analytics enables more efficient network operation”
  • Behind the Firewalls: Celebrating figures that safeguard the UAE’s critical sectors
[easy-social-share buttons="facebook,twitter,google,linkedin,stumbleupon,pinterest" counters=0 hide_names="force" fixedwidth="yes" fixedwidth_px="111"]
AI credit card theft cybersecurity e-commerce holiday shopping malware online shopping phishing retail scams

Previous ArticleOpinion: IT challenges in the new hybrid worldNext ArticleOpinion: VPNs have had their day; it’s time to pin the badge on a new sheriff

Related Articles

  • Opinion: TeKnowledge CTO on the Enterprise AI Execution Gap
  • How AI is Revolutionising Warehousing Intralogistics
  • “We are a collaborative powerhouse that equips businesses with the right expertise, tools, and strategies to scale.” – Agam Chaudhary, Two99
tahawultech tahawultech.com @tahawultech ·
1 Aug

Over the past five years, MENA has demonstrated exponential growth across digital payments, AI-powered financial services, open banking frameworks, and tokenised assets. https://ow.ly/leC550Wyv9j

Reply on Twitter 1951229079929192777 Retweet on Twitter 1951229079929192777 Like on Twitter 1951229079929192777 Twitter 1951229079929192777
tahawultech tahawultech.com @tahawultech ·
1 Aug

"They were slow to recognise the coming AI revolution, and they bet on some other products".
Learn more about how @Samsung fell behind in the AI chip race below.
https://www.tahawultech.com/enterprise/samsung-struggles-to-keep-up-in-the-ai-chip-race/
#Samsung #AIChipRace #tahawultech

Reply on Twitter 1951194926810534178 Retweet on Twitter 1951194926810534178 Like on Twitter 1951194926810534178 Twitter 1951194926810534178
tahawultech tahawultech.com @tahawultech ·
1 Aug

"By ‘imposing’ the availability of the two distinct services upon users they are potentially harming competitors".
Learn more about this AI integration into @WhatsApp below.
https://www.tahawultech.com/region/global/italy-scrutinizes-meta-over-whatsapp-ai-chatbot/
#WhatsApp #Meta #tahawultech

Reply on Twitter 1951191527859867866 Retweet on Twitter 1951191527859867866 Like on Twitter 1951191527859867866 Twitter 1951191527859867866
Load More

RECOMMENDED FOR YOU

  • Shaping the future of Exposure Management with AI, Analytics, and collaboration
  • How Immersive Environments are Changing Hospitality, Retail, and Public Spaces
  • CrowdStrike highlights AI innovations shaping cyber defence at GISEC 2025
  • IT leader believes that ‘superintelligence’ can make the healthcare industry more equitable and accessible for all

GET TAHAWULTECH.COM IN YOUR INBOX

The free newsletter covering the top industry headlines

CPI Media Group
TahawulTech.com is the definitive platform in the Middle East for IT content. Covering stories across enterprise technology, cybersecurity and the region’s IT channel industry, TahawulTech.com brings business leaders and technology decision makers together to share their stories of transformation.

OTHER LINKS

  • Events
  • Media Pack
  • Resource Centre
  • Subscription

 

  • Advertise
  • Contact Us
  • Privacy Policy

Contact Us

Office:
Office 1307, Dubai Studio City
Dubai, United Arab Emirates, PO Box 13700
Tel: +971 4 568 2993
Email: info@tahawultech.com
© 2025 All Rights Reserved. Product of CPI
Menu
  • Country/Region
    • UAE
    • Saudi Arabia
    • Oman
    • Bahrain
    • Kuwait
    • Africa
    • Middle East
    • Global
  • Industry
    • Education
    • Energy
    • Financial services
    • Government
    • Healthcare
    • Property
    • Retail
    • Technology
    • Transport & Logistics
    • Travel & Hospitality
  • Company
    • Enterprise
    • Corporate
    • SME
    • Startup
    • Vendor
    • Channel
  • Trending
    • Digital Transformation
      • Internet of Things
      • Big Data
      • Blockchain
      • Smart City
      • Cloud Computing
    • Artificial Intelligence
      • Data Centre
      • Machine Learning
      • Virtual Reality
      • Robotics
      • Systems Integrator
      • E-commerce
    • 3D Printing
      • Self-driving Cars
      • Drones
      • Automation
      • Smartphones
      • Wearables
      • Virtualisation
    • Fintech
      • Storage
      • Mobile Payment
      • Startups
      • Applications
      • Security
  • News
    • All News
    • Software
    • Hardware
    • Networking
    • Security
    • Channel
    • Telecoms
    • Video
  • Features
    • Features
    • CIO Spotlight
    • Case Studies
    • Partner Watch
    • Vendor focus
    • Analysis
    • Video
    • Lifestyle
    • Insight
    • Opinion
    • Blogs
  • News
    • Region
  • Magazines
    • CNME
    • Reseller ME
    • Security Advisor ME
    • 60 Minutes
    • Supplements
  • Events
    • Awards
    • Customer Events
    • Forums
    • Your Voice
    • Webinars
  • GISEC 2025
  • LEAP 2025
  • Bitz News
    • Business News
    • Financial News
  • Example Column Title
    • Bitz News Group Websites:
    • Insider Journal
    • Business Day
    • Weekly Selection
    • Tech News
    • Cool Stories
    • Geek Reviews
 

Loading Comments...
 

    tahawultech.com Intro