Kaspersky experts have reported on the rapid growth of phishing attacks with websites that imitate online shopping and streaming platforms. Comparing the numbers for Q1 2019 and the same period this year, the share of users attacked by fake e-shops doubled, growing from nine to 18% of users, while the figure for streaming services tripled up to 4%.
While millions of people who would usually be out socialising or shopping in the evening and on weekends are staying home, streaming and e-markets are becoming more and more popular. Unfortunately, cybercriminals follows trends too, setting traps for any popular activities online: they either create a copy of a web page that imitates a landing of popular retailers and streaming platforms or create new ones that offer users free access in return for their credentials or bank cards details.
Tatiana Sidorina, Security Researcher at Kaspersky, said: “Not being able or not wanting to leave the house at the moment is bound to create a higher demand for online shopping and services as people seek to buy food, entertainment and other items online. This, coupled with boredom shopping, as well as desirable offers from retailers trying to stay afloat as the economy takes a hit, often creates a situation where cybercriminals are prowling.”
Kaspersky are advising consumers to be extra vigilant at this time and remember these tips when watching movies, shopping online and opening emails from online retailers:
- Stick to trusted sources, i.e. services for which you have a subscription, not random sources by double-checking the URL format or company name spelling before you download. Fake websites may look just like the real thing, but there will be anomalies to help you spot the difference.
- Use a credit card if possible for payments and try to avoid saving card details to the streaming site.
- Be wary of deals that seem too good to be true – they usually are.
- Type the URL into your browser to check the deal on the website, rather than click on links in emails.
- Use a unique, complex password for each of your online accounts.
- Use a reliable security solution like Kaspersky Internet Security that delivers advanced protection on Mac, as well as on PC and mobile devices.
