Black Friday has evolved into one of the most attractive periods of the year, not just for retailers, but for cybercriminals too. As shoppers rush to grab limited-time deals, attackers exploit the surge in online activity through malware campaigns, phishing scams, payment fraud, and impersonation attacks. With threat actors using increasingly advanced methods, understanding the risks is essential for both shoppers and businesses preparing for peak traffic.
This cybersecurity survival guide breaks down the most common Black Friday threats and offers practical steps to stay secure in 2025’s high-risk threat landscape.
Why Black Friday Is a Goldmine for Cybercriminals
Black Friday and Cyber Monday trigger massive spikes in online transactions, email promotions, digital ads, and account logins. This high-volume environment creates the perfect disguise for malicious activity. Attackers know users are expecting deal notifications, promo codes, and delivery updates, making them more likely to click without verifying legitimacy.
Retailers also face increased pressure to scale infrastructure quickly, often introducing misconfigurations or security gaps that cybercriminals actively look for.
Common Black Friday Cyber Threats
- Phishing & Fake Deal Emails: Cybercriminals frequently impersonate major retailers to push “exclusive” deals or false order alerts. These emails often contain malicious links aimed at stealing login credentials or credit card data.
- Malware Hidden in Apps and Ads: Fake shopping apps and malicious ads spread rapidly during Black Friday.
- Fake Retail Websites: Dozens of cloned websites appear each year, mimicking popular brands with nearly identical designs. These sites exist solely to steal payment information or personal data.
- Payment Card Fraud & Credential Stuffing: With billions of login attempts occurring during Black Friday, attackers exploit weak or reused passwords to take over retail accounts, redeem loyalty points, or make fraudulent purchases.
- Marketplace Scams: Fraudulent sellers on marketplaces offer unrealistic discounts, harvest information, and often never deliver the product. Some also use sophisticated social engineering tactics to manipulate buyers.
Cybersecurity Tips for Shoppers
- Verify Before You Click: Check URLs, sender domains, and website certificates. Avoid clicking on deal links from emails or messages.
- Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): MFA prevents unauthorized access even if an attacker steals your password.
- Avoid Public Wi-Fi: Unsecured networks can expose your transactions. Use mobile data or a VPN.
- Use Secure Payment Options: Virtual cards and digital wallets limit your exposure during a breach.
- Download Apps Only from Official Stores: Stay away from third-party downloads or promo apps not approved by Google or Apple.
Best Practices for Retailers
- Strengthen Threat Detection & Monitoring: Retailers must monitor unusual login behavior, bot traffic, and transaction spikes. Cyble’s Attack Surface and Threat Intelligence solutions help businesses identify fake domains, phishing lures, and malware campaigns targeting their brand.
- Secure Payment Infrastructure: Ensure payment systems are PCI-compliant, updated, and protected from card-skimming malware.
- Educate Customers: Proactively notify customers about known scams and impersonation risks, especially during high-traffic sales periods.
With malware, phishing, and fraud attempts rising sharply during the shopping season, awareness and proactive defense are essential. By staying vigilant and leveraging trusted cybersecurity tools, both shoppers and businesses can navigate Black Friday securely.
See how Cyble protects retailers during high-risk shopping seasons. Book your free 20-minute demo now.