October 30, 2024 at 03:41PM
A recent Norton report reveals that over 60% of Americans are preparing for online holiday shopping, but nearly half have faced scams. As concerns rise, Norton emphasizes the importance of taking proactive safety measures on Cyber Safety Sunday, December 1, to protect against increased online threats during the holiday season.
### Meeting Takeaways from the Press Release
**Overview:**
– Holiday shopping is actively underway, with 60% of Americans planning to make most of their purchases online.
– Cybersecurity concerns are heightened, with nearly half (48%) of consumers reporting being targeted by scams during the holiday shopping season.
**Key Statistics:**
– 53% of Americans are worried about scams during Black Friday and Cyber Monday.
– 62% of Americans are concerned about potential cybercrime this season; 47% worry about sophisticated scams.
– Significant increases in concerns from last year:
– 71% worry about personal information being compromised (up 8% YoY).
– 59% are concerned about scams from third-party retailers (up 9% YoY).
– 59% fear AI-driven shopping scams (up 11% YoY).
**Cyber Safety Recommendations:**
– **Cyber Safety Sunday:** December 1st, a day to prioritize online safety before Cyber Week.
– Tips for safe online shopping:
– Stick to reputable websites.
– Stay informed about common scams.
– Update passwords and set fraud alerts.
– Be cautious when sharing personal information.
**Shopping Behavior:**
– 67% of consumers take action to receive discounts, often sharing personal information.
– Caution advised: Personal data entered for discounts could lead to identity theft.
– Malvertising increased by 53% and adware by 227% last holiday season.
**Use of Artificial Intelligence:**
– 23% interacted with AI for shopping; however, 57% would prefer speaking with a human.
– Concerns persist regarding AI handling personal information securely.
**Social Media Risks:**
– 37% purchased gifts via social media ads, with significant risks of phishing and malware.
– 20% are still willing to engage with potentially fraudulent ads.
**Product Solutions:**
– Norton recommends using Norton Genie, an AI tool for checking the legitimacy of offers and links to protect against scams.
**Conclusion:**
– Visit Norton.com for resources and information on preparing for a safe holiday shopping experience. The press release highlights the importance of vigilance amid the convenience of online shopping, encouraging consumers to be proactive about their cyber safety.