Don’t let cybercriminals get the best deal this Black Friday

The busiest shopping season of the year is almost here again when websites will go into overdrive with shoppers hunting for the best deals. While your customers are scrolling through offers, comparing prices, and clicking “pay now” without a second thought, cybercriminals are lurking amongst the increased legitimate traffic. They know that when good deals are available, staff and customers may let their guard drop.

The Eastern Cyber Resilience Centre is all about helping organisations, charities, and individuals stay one step ahead of the threats associated with Black Friday weekend. Let’s make sure the deals you bag or the sales you maximise aren’t overshadowed by a cyber incident you didn’t bargain for.

Why this time of year is high risk

• Website traffic spikes dramatically, making it prime time for phishing attempts, fake websites, and fraudulent payment links.

• Shoppers may be more impulsive while chasing a deal, less likely to notice a fake URL, email sender, or read the terms and conditions.

• Cybercriminals exploit the sense of urgency that this time of year creates. Increased footfall in physical stores and more orders online can overwhelm staff, causing them to be distracted and more likely to act before they think.

• All organisations can be a target whether they are international corporations or a small retail store based here in the East.

Five simple checks before you click ‘Buy’

1. Check the website address to ensure it’s exactly what you expect, not a look-alike domain. Be aware of extra letters, unusual endings, or subtle misspellings.

2. Verify the offer as if it seems too good to be true, it probably is.

3. Use secure payment methods preferably credit card or payment services that offer buyer protection, rather than direct bank transfers.

4. Look for HTTPS and a padlock before the URL. While this alone doesn’t guarantee safety, it’s an indicator that the website is legitimate and has a secure connection.

5. Update your devices and software as many criminals exploit out of date systems or known vulnerabilities. Make sure your browser, smartphone, and security software are all operating on the latest versions.

What to do if something goes wrong

Reporting a live cyber-attack 24/7:

If you are a business, charity or other organisation which is currently suffering a live cyber-attack (in progress) please call Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 immediately. This service is available 24 hours a day 7 days a week.

Reporting a cyber-attack which is not ongoing:

Please report online to Action Fraud, the UK’s national reporting centre for fraud and cybercrime. You can report cybercrime online at any time using the online reporting tool, which will guide you through simple questions to identify what has happened. Action Fraud advisors can also provide the help, support, and advice you need.

The Eastern Cyber Resilience Centre can also help you navigate these steps and support your business in recovering quickly and minimising damage to your operations and reputation.

This Black Friday, don’t let criminals claim the best deal. The only ones benefitting from your bargains should be your customers and your business, not someone exploiting the trust and dedication of your employees or customers.

Make cyber security part of your business’ Black Friday success story!

If you’d like to learn more about the services offered by the Eastern Cyber Resilience Centre, or join our membership for free support, please visit our website or contact our team.