Online shoppers spent nearly US$10 billion during the holiday season last year, 24 percent more than in 2004, indicating a significant number people at risk.
Security company PC Tools, which specialises in detecting spyware and viruses, warned that shoppers should exercise caution when going to new Internet sites to make purchases.
Consumers are advised to look for labels indicating that transactions are protected, and should make purchases from trusted providers if possible. Shoppers should never provide personal information in response to an email request.
"One in 10 holiday shoppers can expect some form of spyware, adware or other internet attack as they conduct transactions on the Web," said Michael Greene, vice president for product strategy at PC Tools.
"Many consumers are simply not aware that surfing the Web can cause problems leading to identity theft or computer lock up."
Greene added that holiday shopping is perfect for hackers who use spyware, key-loggers and phishing techniques to cull passwords and sensitive information from users.
Cyber-criminals gear up for a merry Christmas
By
Robert Jaques
on
Nov 14, 2006 9:45AM
As online shoppers gear up for a season of intensive spending in the run up to Christmas, online fraudsters are also preparing for their busiest time of the year.
Got a news tip for our journalists? Share it with us anonymously here.
Partner Content
Promoted Content
5 essential digital transformation ideas
Promoted Content
Security through visibility: supporting Essential Eight cyber mitigation strategies
Promoted Content
How a 'micro data centre' enables your business, your way
Promoted Content
Security "mindset shift" needed to protect organisations
Sponsored Whitepapers
Planning before the breach: You can’t protect what you can’t see
Beyond FTP: Securing and Managing File Transfers
NextGen Security Operations: A Roadmap for the Future
Video: Watch Juniper talk about its Aston Martin partnership
Don’t pay the ransom: A three-step guide to ransomware protection
