Online shoppers face heightened cyberthreats as e-commerce attacks rise by 15pc

Cybersecurity company Kaspersky reveals major increase in cyber-attacks

A new report from global cybersecurity company Kaspersky has revealed that e-commerce attacks directed at shoppers have increased by 15 per cent compared to last year.

As Black Friday continues to grow in popularity, the likelihood that shoppers will fall victim to cyber-attacks has increased according to Kaspersky.

The increase in retailer-specific apps has encouraged people to shop online with 55 per cent of people now using smartphones to make purchases during Black Friday weekend.

The report highlighted the increased danger to consumers during the annual shopping event where the likelihood of financial phishing attacks increases by 24 per cent.

Experts at Kaspersky revealed that in the first three quarters of 2019, fifteen families of financial malware targeted users of popular brands.

This year, in addition to the already-known banking families such as Zeus, Betabot and Cridex Gozi, Kaspersky has also identified two new mobile bankers, Anubis and Gustuff.

Kaspersky principal security researcher David Emm said: “As Black Friday and Cyber Money draws near, shoppers must be on red alert.

“This is effectively hunting season for cybercriminals, who are on the prowl to steal personal details, card numbers or bank account credentials from unknowing victims

“With financial fraud at an all-time high, people need to be reassured that their data and personal information is safe, or they will be less inclined to shop online.”