Free App Helps Online Shoppers Avoid Fake or Compromised Shopping Sites

Zscaler has released Safe Shopping, a free Firefox plugin that consumers can download to protect them from fake and compromised online stores.

The number of compromised and fake online stores is growing, and unsuspecting users are falling victim to such sites every day. When end users attempt to purchase goods from such sites, they are giving away sensitive information such as credit card numbers. The plugin warns users when they visit one of the suspect domains. Zscaler Safe Shopping is continually updated, via the Zscaler cloud security service, whenever new compromised or fake online stores are identified.

Virtually all browsers contain blacklists to prevent users from accessing known malicious sites: Google Safe Browsing and Phishtank are two examples. However, these blacklists do not generally block sites that have been compromised.  Rather, they block the malicious pages that hijacked sites ultimately redirect to.  This behavior is fine for most websites where you just surf and do not leave any sensitive information. However, in the case of shopping and commerce sites, where a user leaves a mailing address, phone number and credit card details, this type of blocking is not sufficient.  These types of commerce attacks are successful because users often have no idea that the site they are visiting has been compromised, or is a scam built by ill-intentioned hackers.

"Attackers are constantly adjusting their tactics and traditional security controls are failing to keep up," said Julien Sobrier, senior researcher at Zscaler labs and developer of the plugin.  "As blacklists have improved their detection of traditional attacks such as fake antivirus campaigns, attackers are now shifting to fake and compromised storefronts, which are not being detected by the browser."

According to Michael Sutton, VP of security research, "Users have grown comfortable with online commerce. What they don't realize is that lesser-known online stores can become compromised, often due to known vulnerabilities in popular technologies that have not been patched by the merchant. When this occurs, while the store itself may be legitimate, attackers could have access to the back end database."

Featured

  • Achieving Clear Communications

    Achieving Clear Communications

    Technology within the security industry has adapted to numerous changes through the years, from the early days of analog devices to today’s IP-based solutions, networked cameras, and access control solutions, in addition to analytics, cloud-based products, virtual security guards, and more. Read Now

  • Taking Flight

    Taking Flight

    Airport security is a complex system that incorporates multiple technologies to ensure the safety and security of travelers, employees and the facility itself. Sound-based technologies are integral pieces of this system, providing means of communication, notification and monitoring. Read Now

  • Live From ISC West 2023 Preview

    Live From ISC West 2023 Preview

    ISC West 2023 is right around the corner! This year’s trade show is scheduled from March 28–31 at the Venetian Expo in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Campus Security & Life Safety and Security Today staff will be on hand to provide live updates about the security industry’s latest innovations, trends, and products. Read Now

    • Industry Events
    • ISC West
  • A Break from Routine

    A Break from Routine

    It was three years ago right about now that COVID was bringing the world to its knees. In mid-March of 2020, the president put travel restrictions on all flights in and out of Europe, the NBA suspended its season, and Tom Hanks announced that he’d tested positive for the disease—all in the same night. It was officially a national emergency two days later. Read Now

    • Industry Events
    • ISC West

Featured Cybersecurity

New Products

  • XS4 Original+

    XS4 Original+

    The SALTO XS4 Original+ design is based on the same proven housing and mechanical mechanisms of the XS4 Original. The XS4 Original+, however, is embedded with SALTO’s BLUEnet real-time functionality and SVN-Flex capability that enables SALTO stand-alone smart XS4 Original+ locks to update user credentials directly at the door. Compatible with the array of SALTO platform solutions including SALTO Space data-on-card, SALTO KS Keys as a Service cloud-based access solution, and SALTO’s JustIn Mobile technology for digital keys. The XS4 Original+ also includes RFID Mifare DESFire, Bluetooth LE and NFC technology functionality. 3

  • Kangaroo Home Security System

    Kangaroo Home Security System

    Kangaroo is the affordable, easy-to-install home security system designed for anyone who wants an added layer of peace of mind and protection. It has several products, ranging from the fan-favorite Doorbell Camera + Chime, to the more comprehensive Front Door Security Kit with Professional Monitoring. Regardless of the level of desired security, Kangaroo’s designed to move with consumers - wherever that next chapter may be. Motion sensors, keypads and additional features can be part of the package to any Kangaroo system in place, anytime. Additionally, Kangaroo offers scalable protection plans with a variety of benefits ranging from 24/7 professional monitoring to expanded cloud storage, coverage for damage and theft. 3

  • Dinkle DKU Barrier Terminal Blocks

    Dinkle DKU Barrier Terminal Blocks

    New DKU screw type terminal blocks use a spring-guided system where the screws are integrated and captive within the terminal enclosure. These screws can be backed out so that ring- or U-shaped cable lugs can be inserted, without the possibility of losing the screw. 3