According to “The Retail and eCommerce Threat Landscape Report” from October 2018, there is a 297% increase in the number of phishing websites that target online retail businesses and customers of these businesses. There is an average of 23 phishing sites for each retail company included in the study. In 2017 the data showed that there were only 5.9 phishing websites per company.
A report illustrates how cybercriminals are increasingly targeting retailers and their customers through digital and social channels as retailers leverage new channels for increased revenue opportunities
“The Retail and eCommerce Threat Landscape Report” (October 2018), notes a 297 percent rise in the number of false retailer websites designed to “phish” for customer credentials. In Q3 alone, there was an average of 23 phishing sites per company, which is a significant increase from 2017, which averaged 5.9 phishing attacks per company.
Also, says the report, there was a 278 percent rise in stolen goods listed on black markets for resale. Even more:
- An average of 22.1 internal login pages or development servers exposed per retail company in 2018. When accessed this gives cybercriminals a portal into the retailer’s internal network
- Fake apps and social media profiles are on the rise with a 469 percent spike in suspicious applications and a 345 percent increase in fake social media profiles (respectively) in Q4 2017
What we all know is confirmed by this data. The need for increased security will be amplified exponentially as this trend continues in the future. This will increase the demand for cybersecurity professionals to the point that salaries for these positions will be driven up toward the stratosphere.
