Israel's National Cyber Directorate Warns of Advanced Scams During Shopping Season
Translated & summarized from Alarab by baba
Israel's National Cyber Directorate is warning of advanced online scams during the current shopping season, fueled by AI-generated fake websites and phishing. With 60% of Israeli shopping happening online during sales, this period is a prime target for cybercriminals. The Directorate advises caution with links, official apps, and sharing sensitive payment or personal data, recommending specific security measures for online transactions.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Israel's National Cyber Directorate warns of advanced online fraud during the shopping season.
- Artificial intelligence is being used to create convincing fake websites and phishing messages.
- 60% of Israeli purchases occur online during promotional periods, making it a target.
- Consumers are advised to avoid suspicious links and use official apps or direct website entry.
- The Directorate recommends limiting credit card use and enabling two-factor authentication.
Israel's National Cyber Directorate has issued a public warning about a rise in sophisticated online fraud schemes coinciding with the start of the "shopping month" and discount season. These warnings highlight the exploitation of artificial intelligence technologies, which enable the creation of convincing fake websites and phishing messages.
With 60% of Israeli purchases occurring online during promotional periods, this time presents a "golden opportunity for hackers and attackers," according to Noam Hendroker, CEO of cybersecurity firm CYBIZ. Experts are urging the public to take preventative measures, such as directly typing store addresses into browsers or using official apps, and avoiding clicking on links received via messages.
Scammers are also leveraging fake offers and exaggerated discounts designed to pressure consumers into immediate purchases. Major brands in fashion, electronics, and cosmetics are common targets, as are phishing messages falsely claiming package delivery delays and demanding small fees for release.
The Cyber Directorate advises against sharing sensitive information like credit card numbers, ID numbers, or one-time passwords (OTP) with chatbots. They recommend using credit cards with low limits or those specifically for online shopping, and enabling two-factor authentication (2FA) on accounts. If a link is suspicious, users can utilize the Directorate's "Click Check" service or call 119 to report it. In cases of data compromise, immediate contact with the credit card company to freeze the card is advised.
