By Derek Manky, Chief Security Strategist and Global VP Threat Intelligence | Board Advisor | Threat Alliances at FortiGuard Labs

As the holiday season approaches, shoppers worldwide eagerly anticipate snagging deals during Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and other holiday sales. However, this heightened online activity also draws the attention of cybercriminals.

A recent report from FortiGuard Labs, Understanding Threat Actor Readiness for the Upcoming Holiday Season, reveals the advanced tactics attackers have been developing to exploit this year’s shopping frenzy. This blog highlights the report’s key findings from the darknet and offers some practical advice to help shoppers and businesses stay secure this season.

The Cyberthreat Landscape
The holiday season presents an irresistible opportunity for cybercriminals to capitalize on increased online transactions. Tools and services now available on the darknet empower attackers to target e-commerce platforms and unsuspecting shoppers more effectively than ever. This year, threat actors are leveraging cutting-edge techniques, including AI-powered phishing lures, sophisticated website cloning tools, and remote code execution (RCE) exploits to gain unauthorized access to shopping platforms. AI-driven methods allow attackers to craft convincing emails and replicas of legitimate websites to steal data or trick users into disclosing sensitive information.

The report also highlights the growing use of deceptive holiday-themed domains that mimic trusted retailers to lure shoppers with enticing but fraudulent offers. Sniffing tools are another critical weapon that enables cybercriminals to intercept sensitive data like credit card details during online transactions. Key highlights from the report include:

• Shopping-themed phishing lures use generative AI. The report includes examples of cybercriminals using AI models like ChatGPT to craft convincing phishing emails, mimicking legitimate communications from retailers and banks. This increases the effectiveness of their scams, especially during peak shopping periods.

• E-commerce threats abound this holiday season. Threat actors are ramping up efforts to exploit online shopping trends. This year’s report notes that thousands of holiday-themed domains mimicking trusted brands like Amazon and Walmart are being registered to deceive consumers with fake offers and promotions. Popular platforms such as Adobe Commerce, Shopify, and WooCommerce are prime targets due to weak configurations and outdated plugins. Attackers are deploying sniffers to capture customer data and using RCE exploits to gain admin access to shopping platforms.

• A multitude of lucrative darknet services fuels cybercrime. The FortiGuard Labs team has observed a surge in the sale of stolen gift cards, credit card data, and compromised e-commerce site databases. Phishing kits enabling attackers to set up advanced phishing operations, including services, are being sold for between $100 and $1,000, depending on complexity and customizations. Other services, such as sniffing and custom brute-forcing tools, are also readily available, enabling even low-skilled attackers to exploit vulnerabilities.
• Rising risks for businesses. Businesses are equally vulnerable, facing significant risks from phishing scams to the theft of financial information through fake websites. Compromised admin panels, unpatched software, and weak credentials can lead to data breaches, fraudulent transactions, and damaged reputations.

Staying Safe This Holiday Season
To mitigate these risks, shoppers and businesses must adopt proactive measures. Vigilance is essential for shoppers. Double-check URLs before entering sensitive information and use secure payment methods such as credit cards with fraud protection. Avoid shopping over public Wi-Fi networks, which can leave you vulnerable to session hijacking. Enabling multi-factor authentication on your accounts can provide an additional layer of security. It is also crucial to monitor your financial statements regularly for unauthorized transactions.

Businesses must prioritize their cybersecurity posture. Keeping e-commerce platforms and plugins up to date and conducting regular vulnerability scans can significantly reduce risk. Implementing advanced fraud detection tools helps identify unusual activities, such as brute-force login attempts or fake traffic. Educating customers on recognizing phishing attempts and promoting safe shopping habits is equally important. Monitoring domain registrations for potential impersonations and reporting them promptly can help protect your brand. Finally, securing admin panels with strong passwords and restricted access can prevent unauthorized breaches.

A Call to Action
The holiday season should be a time of joy and celebration, not risk and vulnerability. However, for this to happen, businesses must take a proactive stance on cybersecurity while consumers must stay informed and cautious about the threats lurking online.