UAE Black Friday 2023: Sinister cybercriminals target shoppers, consumers need to be vigiliant, experts warn

Exploiting shoppers' trust and excitement, these malicious actors offer enticing deals that hide sinister intentions – stealing identities and valuable data. Mortada Ayad of Delinea highlights the pressure factor, making social engineering attacks effective during shopping frenzies.

Psychological tactics like FOMO (fear of missing out) cloud judgment during Black Friday sales, says Christian Borst of Vectra AI.

Despite an expected $74 billion in MENA Black Friday sales, consumers are advised to protect themselves. Borst suggests being cautious about platforms and verifying seller reputations. Shoppers should research prices beforehand and maintain a clear mindset for decision-making.

Businesses, particularly retailers, must also play a role. Ayad recommends education and awareness efforts, clear customer service channels, and digital security measures.

Vibin Shaju of Trellix warns of phishing techniques, often through fake websites and apps, used by attackers to deceive consumers. Vigilance, strong passwords, multi-factor authentication, and avoiding suspicious links are key to safeguarding personal information and finances.

As Black Friday nears, UAE consumers are urged to stay vigilant, ensuring their shopping excitement doesn't make them vulnerable to cyber threats.