E-commerce related phishing on the rise: Kaspersky

In Q2, the number of phishing attempts rose by almost 50%.

There were 17,800 e-commerce-related phishing attacks in Q2, representing a jump of almost 50% from the previous quarter.

Kaspersky said the quarter-on-quarter increase was likely due to the “easing of borders and the nearing of the mid to year-end shopping season in the country.”

E-commerce-related phasing scams have also outpaced banking and payment-related phishing methods in Singapore, according to Kaspersky.

In Q2, banking-related phasing attempts fell by 55% QoQ to 3,355, whilst payment-related attacks also dropped to 13,635 from 16,787.

“The first half of the year witnessed the reopening of borders in Southeast Asia but the pandemic habits seem to remain consistent. Despite our regained physical freedom, we know that we still prefer to do our banking, shopping, and financial activities online because of its unparalleled convenience,” said Yeo Siang Tiong, general manager for Southeast Asia at Kaspersky.

“Regulators and industry players in the region are all backing a digital-forward Southeast Asia. Countries here are poised to link their QR code payment systems before the year ends to remove currency exchange hassles. It is a welcome development with possible great economic gains, for us and the cyber criminals. With most users here aware of the threats targeting our online money, it is time to act now and secure your mobile devices to enjoy the perks of a more connected, regional financial environment,” Yeo added.

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