As online transactions surge, consumers face growing risks from threats, according to cybersecurity company Palo Alto Networks.
In a report, Palo Alto said total losses due to online scams have amounted to $8.1 billion this year.
With online activity set to surge during the upcoming shopping season, Palo Alto said cybercriminals could take advantage of unsuspecting digital shoppers through phishing scams, fraudulent websites, and payment fraud.
“As the Philippines’ retail and e-commerce sectors continue to expand, the need for strengthened cybersecurity becomes even more critical,” said Oscar Visaya, country manager for Palo Alto Networks in the Philippines.
Visaya said the first line of protection is always proactive defense.
Palo Alto said the rise of online shopping, digital payments and holiday planning has transformed consumer behavior in the Philippines but has also introduced new risks such as APK attacks — malicious software targeting mobile apps—and deepfake scams. It reported that in the Philippines, 53 percent of consumers use QR codes while 68 percent rely on mobile wallets, increasing exposure to cyber threats.
Palo Alto Networks recommends that online shoppers should exercise caution and verify the authenticity of emails and offers before clicking on any links or downloading attachments. Look for red flags like misspellings, unusual domains, and suspicious requests for personal information. Always shop through official channels and trusted online platforms, avoiding deals that seem too good to be true or unfamiliar websites.
It also reminds consumers that by strengthening passwords and enabling two-factor authentication (2FA) for all accounts adds an extra layer of security, particularly when shopping online. Remember to be wary of phishing scams that attempt to trick individuals into revealing sensitive information like social security numbers or banking details. By remaining vigilant and following these security measures, online shoppers can minimize the risk of falling victim to cybercriminals during the holiday season.
Palo Alto also advised businesses to strengthen their defenses against cyber threats such as social engineering tactics like phishing scams, which trick employees into sharing sensitive information, and ransomware attacks, which can lock down critical systems until a ransom is paid. It said Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks can overwhelm retail websites with traffic, causing potential downtime and disrupting the customer experience.
“Businesses must proactively secure their platforms and consumers should remain vigilant to ensure safety and security this holiday season,” Visaya said.
Palo Alto suggests businesses should adopt a Zero Trust approach that emphasizes strict verification for every user and device accessing their networks, ensuring that no implicit trust.
