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| Source: McAfee. |
Consumers in the Asia Pacific have been forecast to spend more on e-commerce purchases than those in North America. This year alone, B2C e-commerce sales are expected to reach US$525.2 billion in the region. With Asia Pacific claiming 46% of digital buyers worldwide in 2014*, the role of online shopping and the need for security measures to protect consumers has never been stronger.
“With more consumers on the hunt for bargains during the holidays and looking for means to make their shopping as convenient as possible, many go online and onto their devices – something cyber criminals are very much aware of,” said David Freer, Vice President, Consumer, APAC, McAfee, Part of Intel Security. “However, all it takes is awareness and some simple precautionary measures to keep their digital lives safe and not spoil the year end spirit.”
This year’s top 12 Scams of the Holidays are:
1. You’ve got mail! — As holiday sales continue to migrate online, the risk for shipping notification and phishing scams are increasing. Though malware is a year-round risk, since many people do their holiday shopping online, consumers are more apt to click on a shipping notification or phishing e-mail because they think it is legitimate.
2. Deceptive advertising — Keep your eyes peeled (and your wallet in check) when online shopping for this season’s most coveted products. Dangerous links, phony contests on social media, and bogus gift cards are just some of the ways scammers try to steal personal information.
3. Chilling charities — ‘During the holidays, many donate to their favorite charity. Sadly, fake charities could get in touch via email, or are shared virally through social media.
4. Buyer beware — Point of sale malware could lead to exposed credit card information. The only way to tell is through credit card statements and sometimes, breaking news reports.
“With more consumers on the hunt for bargains during the holidays and looking for means to make their shopping as convenient as possible, many go online and onto their devices – something cyber criminals are very much aware of,” said David Freer, Vice President, Consumer, APAC, McAfee, Part of Intel Security. “However, all it takes is awareness and some simple precautionary measures to keep their digital lives safe and not spoil the year end spirit.”
This year’s top 12 Scams of the Holidays are:
1. You’ve got mail! — As holiday sales continue to migrate online, the risk for shipping notification and phishing scams are increasing. Though malware is a year-round risk, since many people do their holiday shopping online, consumers are more apt to click on a shipping notification or phishing e-mail because they think it is legitimate.
2. Deceptive advertising — Keep your eyes peeled (and your wallet in check) when online shopping for this season’s most coveted products. Dangerous links, phony contests on social media, and bogus gift cards are just some of the ways scammers try to steal personal information.
3. Chilling charities — ‘During the holidays, many donate to their favorite charity. Sadly, fake charities could get in touch via email, or are shared virally through social media.
4. Buyer beware — Point of sale malware could lead to exposed credit card information. The only way to tell is through credit card statements and sometimes, breaking news reports.
5. iScams — Even the most official-looking apps could be malicious and access your personal information.
6. Getting carded — Digital e-cards to spread the holiday cheer are fun, easy and thoughtful, but could be a way for hackers to wish everyone a “Merry Malware!” Well-known e-card sites are safe, but be wary of potential scams that dupe users into downloading malware.
7. Holiday travel scams — Fake online travel deal links are bountiful, but there are also risks that exist once you arrive at your destination, including spyware on infected hotel or cybercafe PCs that can access personal information.
8. Bank robocall scam — Fake phone calls from a financial institution with an automated or live security agent stating that the user’s account has been compromised, and requesting personal information including the account password to make changes.
9. ATM skimming — Criminals can access personal information at ATMs by installing skimming devices to steal the data off your card’s magnetic strip, and either using a video camera or keypad overlay to capture the PIN. Look carefully at the ATM for anything suspicious, and cover the keypad when entering your PIN.
10. Year in Review traps — Many news services develop Year in Review articles. Companies should warn their employees about the risks of clicking on these types of links from their work emails as they could infect and compromise the security of company devices.
11. BYO…device — People are more likely to forget their smartphones in public places. If the smartphones are not protected with passwords or by other means, hackers will be able to access sensitive personal information and business data.
12. Bad USB blues — During the holiday season, people may receive gift hampers from vendors which contain USB drives. Beware of using these as undetectable malware is sometimes pre-installed on them.
Hashtag: #12scams
*http://www.emarketer.com/Article/Global-B2C-Ecommerce-Sales-Hit-15-Trillion-This-Year-Driven-by-Growth-Emerging-Markets/1010575
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