For years Netacea has been reporting on the evolving scalper bot landscape. From the early days of sneaker bots, through to hobbyists snatching PlayStation 5 consoles and even vaccine appointments throughout the pandemic, we’ve closely monitored what items scalpers target. Now, a whole new breed of scalper bot has emerged – one that exploits discounts and pricing errors instead of exclusive hype drops, costing retailers hundreds of thousands in lost inventory.

The world of retail is undergoing a significant transformation, largely driven by technological advancements. One of the most notable changes is the rapid growth of in-store biometric-enabled transactions. A recent study by Juniper Research highlights this trend, projecting a 138% growth in the number of transactions carried out via biometric-enabled Point of Sale (PoS) terminals, soaring from 19.5 billion in 2023 to an impressive scale globally by 2028.

Application programming interface (API) security is critical for retailers increasingly reliant on cloud technology. However, they also open potential gateways for cyber threats, making robust security protocols essential to protect sensitive data and maintain customer trust. The complexity of retail systems, which often involve numerous third-party integrations, can create multiple points of vulnerability.

Macro technology trends have always impacted and influenced every aspect of the retail industry. From the days of catalog ordering and cash only transactions to today’s personalized, always-on omnichannel experiences where contactless payment has become the norm - the world of retail is almost unrecognizable.

Individual users are often referred to as the weakest link in cybersecurity, as human error is a major contributor to security incidents of all kinds. However, employees can also be a significant asset when adequately trained in cybersecurity hygiene and best practices.

As we approach the holiday season, in addition to our busy work schedules, we need to plan for family visits, develop menus for special meals, and do a little shopping while the deals are good! It’s a lot to keep track of. Just remember it’s when you are distracted that you tend to put your digital security most at risk. Cybercriminals don’t take holidays.

Gift cards have become a go-to Christmas present for many people, but their dramatic rise in popularity has also unfortunately made them a prime target for hackers. The reason why gift cards are such a popular present is because of how practical they are to use. When you’re not sure what to buy someone, gift cards present an easy and accessible way to show someone how much you appreciate them.

November brings two of the busiest shopping days of the year, plus some potential security risks, even if you never leave the comfort of your home. The annual Black Friday and Cyber Monday (BF/CM) events that originated in the United States have increasingly become a global phenomenon. With huge sales and “doorbuster” deals to kick off the holiday shopping season, they see a massive number of transactions.