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

  • Evolving Cybersecurity Strategies: Uniting Human Risk Management and Security Awareness Training

    Organizations are increasingly turning their attention to human-focused security approaches, as two out of three (68%) cybersecurity incidents involve people. Threat actors are shifting from targeting networks and systems to hacking humans via social engineering methods, living off human errors as their most prevalent attack vector. Whether manipulated or not, human cyber behavior is leveraged to gain backdoor access into systems. This mainly results from a lack of employee training and awareness about evolving attack techniques employed by malign actors. Read Now

  • Report: 1 in 3 Easily Exploitable Vulnerabilities Found on Cloud Assets

    CyCognito recently released new research highlighting critical security vulnerabilities across cloud-hosted assets, revealing that one in three easily exploitable vulnerabilities or misconfigurations are found on cloud assets. As organizations increasingly shift to multi-cloud strategies, the findings underscore significant security gaps that could provide attackers with potential footholds into networks. Read Now

  • Built for Today, Ready for Tomorrow

    Selecting the right VMS is critical for any organization that depends on video surveillance to ensure safety, security and operational efficiency. While many organizations focus on immediate needs such as budget and deployment size, let us review some of the long-term considerations that can significantly impact a VMS's utility and flexibility. Read Now

  • Paving the Way to Smart Buildings

    In today's rapidly evolving security landscape, the convergence of on-prem, edge and cloud technologies are critical. The physical security landscape is undergoing a profound transformation, driven by the rapid digitalization of buildings and the evolving needs of modern organizations. As the buildings sector pivots towards smart, AI and data-driven operations, the integration of both edge and cloud technology has become crucial. Read Now

  • The Cybersecurity Time Bomb

    If you work in physical security, you have probably seen it: a camera, access control system, or intrusion detection device installed years ago, humming along without a single update. It is a common scenario that security professionals have come to accept as "normal." But here is the reality: this mindset is actively putting organizations at risk. Read Now

New Products

  • Unified VMS

    AxxonSoft introduces version 2.0 of the Axxon One VMS. The new release features integrations with various physical security systems, making Axxon One a unified VMS. Other enhancements include new AI video analytics and intelligent search functions, hardened cybersecurity, usability and performance improvements, and expanded cloud capabilities

  • Mobile Safe Shield

    Mobile Safe Shield

    SafeWood Designs, Inc., a manufacturer of patented bullet resistant products, is excited to announce the launch of the Mobile Safe Shield. The Mobile Safe Shield is a moveable bullet resistant shield that provides protection in the event of an assailant and supplies cover in the event of an active shooter. With a heavy-duty steel frame, quality castor wheels, and bullet resistant core, the Mobile Safe Shield is a perfect addition to any guard station, security desks, courthouses, police stations, schools, office spaces and more. The Mobile Safe Shield is incredibly customizable. Bullet resistant materials are available in UL 752 Levels 1 through 8 and include glass, white board, tack board, veneer, and plastic laminate. Flexibility in bullet resistant materials allows for the Mobile Safe Shield to blend more with current interior décor for a seamless design aesthetic. Optional custom paint colors are also available for the steel frame.

  • AC Nio

    AC Nio

    Aiphone, a leading international manufacturer of intercom, access control, and emergency communication products, has introduced the AC Nio, its access control management software, an important addition to its new line of access control solutions.