As digital deals grow, so do the dangers — here’s how to stay safe during the shopping frenzy.
The UAE’s rapid digital transformation has made it a global hub for financial innovation and e-commerce. However, this progress has also attracted a darker side: seasonal cyber threats that peak during high-traffic shopping events like Black Friday and Cyber Monday.
According to recent reports, the UAE has seen a sharp rise in online security challenges, with URL detections increasing by 36.5% — up from an average of 17.05% in 2023 to 23.34% in 2024. As shoppers hunt for the best deals, cybercriminals are ready to exploit their excitement with increasingly sophisticated scams.
A Rising Wave of Cyber Threats
The UAE’s vibrant online shopping scene sees a surge in activity during key events, making it an attractive target for scammers. Common tactics include:
- Phishing Campaigns: Sophisticated schemes like the “Phish n’ Ships” campaign, active since 2019, compromise legitimate online stores by displaying fake product listings and redirecting customers to fraudulent sites that steal personal and payment information.
- Fake Coupons and Offers: Scammers use fake discounts and malicious links to lure victims. These tactics have proven effective during high-spending seasons, such as Ramadan, where cybercriminals capitalized on Saudi Arabia’s $16 billion consumer spending, causing financial losses estimated at $70 to $100 million.
- Account Verification Scams: Users are tricked into “confirming” login attempts via fraudulent links, exposing sensitive credentials.
- Fake Delivery Notifications: Scammers impersonate services like “Emirates Post” to send malicious shipment tracking links, leading to stolen personal data or unauthorized payments.
Building a Cybersecurity Shield
To stay protected during the holiday shopping rush, both businesses and consumers must adopt proactive security measures:
- Implement Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) and Zero Trust Access (ZTA): These enhance protection by requiring multiple forms of verification (MFA) and by continuously verifying access attempts (ZTA), reducing the risk of unauthorized intrusions.
- Use AI-Powered Email Security: Advanced email security solutions using AI and machine learning can detect and block phishing attempts in real-time by identifying suspicious patterns.
- Maintain Immutable Backups and Behavioral Analysis Tools: Tamper-proof backups and behavior-monitoring tools can prevent ransomware attacks and enable swift recovery.
- Monitor Data and Prepare Incident Response Plans: Continuous data monitoring and well-practiced response plans help detect and mitigate breaches effectively.
- Conduct Security Audits and Employee Training: Regular audits and training on recognizing phishing and other scams are crucial to maintaining a strong cybersecurity posture.
Staying One Step Ahead
“Cybersecurity is no longer a luxury; it’s a necessity,” says Ziad Nasr, General Manager of Acronis Middle East. “Businesses and individuals must stay vigilant, especially during peak shopping periods when cybercriminals are most active.”
By adopting these measures and staying informed, UAE shoppers and businesses can enjoy the convenience of digital shopping without falling prey to cyber threats. With a proactive approach, it’s possible to navigate the digital marketplace safely while outsmarting even the most sophisticated scams.
This Black Friday, don’t let a great deal turn into a costly mistake. Stay alert, stay informed, and shop securely.
