Black Friday and Cyber Monday are peak shopping days for deals—and, unfortunately, for cybercriminals. Fake websites mimicking legitimate retailers, phishing scams, and data breaches are just some of the tactics bad actors use to exploit unsuspecting shoppers. Protecting your organization from these threats is vital to the safety of your business and your team.
The Risks of Fake Black Friday Sites
During the holiday season, cybercriminals create fake e-commerce websites that closely resemble trusted brands. These sites often advertise deals that seem too good to pass up, luring customers into entering sensitive information like credit card numbers and personal data. For businesses, the consequences can be devastating: data breaches, financial loss, and reputational damage.
In a new report from the firm EclectricIQ it says it believes the group behind several phishing websites, dubbed SulkSpecter, lures consumers in the U.S. and Europe to websites that mimic real companies with promotions for deals up to 80 percent off.
Some of the websites run by SilkSpecter include: northfaceblackfriday.shop, wayfareblackfriday.com, llbeanblackfriday.shop, blackfriday-shoe.top, ikea-euonline.com, and dopeblackfriday.shop.
Beyond fake websites, phishing attacks—emails designed to steal login credentials—become more prevalent. Shoppers may receive “order confirmation” emails with malicious links, or employees might unknowingly click on a phishing email, exposing your network to ransomware or other malware.
How to Be Aware of Phishing Scams during the Holiday Season
- Advanced Cybersecurity Measures
Partnering with a Managed Service Provider (MSP) like Natural Networks can help to provide comprehensive cybersecurity services to detect and neutralize threats before they can cause damage. Tools like firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and endpoint protection ensure that your network is shielded from fake websites, malware, and phishing attempts. - Phishing Awareness Training
Train your staff to recognize phishing emails and suspicious websites. Utelizing tools that can mimic popular phishing emails can help identify users who are more susceptiple to these attacks, and then working with them with specialized training. This proactive approach minimizes human error, which is often the weakest link in cybersecurity. Employees learn to verify URLs, identify red flags in emails, and report suspicious activity. - Disaster Recovery and Backup Solutions
Even with strong defenses, no system is completely immune. MSPs like Natural Networks can help ensure your data is backed up regularly and offer rapid disaster recovery solutions. If an attack occurs, these systems minimize downtime and prevent data loss, saving your business from severe disruptions.
Protecting Your Business Beyond the Holidays
While Black Friday is a prime time for cybercrime, the need for strong cybersecurity extends year-round. Partnering with an MSP ensures your business is always prepared to face evolving threats. By staying ahead of cybercriminal tactics and offering continuous support, MSPs provide peace of mind for businesses and employees alike.
Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late
As online shopping intensifies during Black Friday, so do the risks of falling victim to cyber scams. Protect your business, employees, and customers by partnering with a trusted MSP. With services like phishing protection, cybersecurity training, and network defense, MSPs can safeguard your operations during the holiday season and beyond.
Take proactive steps today—contact us to learn more about how we can help protect your business from threats like phishing scams.
