INFOGRAPHIC

As e-commerce surges towards annual peak , online shoppers are more vulnerable to receiving fraudulent emails from their favourite retailers . 85 % of the top 20 online retailers in the UAE are not actively blocking fraudulent emails from reaching customers according to a recent research from Proofpoint Inc .

compliance company , recently released research identifying that 13 of the top 20 online retailers in the UAE ( 65 %), have no published Domain-based Message Authentication , Reporting and Conformance ( DMARC ) record . This makes them susceptible to cybercriminals spoofing their identity and increases the risk of email fraud for their customers . Despite this , only 15 % of leading retailers – or three out of the top 20 – have implemented the strictest and recommended level of DMARC protection , which actively blocks fraudulent emails from reaching their intended target .

Worryingly , 85 % of leading online retailers are not proactively blocking fraudulent emails , leaving their customers in the UAE vulnerable to email fraud . Cybercriminals regularly use the method of domain spoofing to pose as well-known brands , by sending an email from a supposedly legitimate sender address . These emails are designed to trick people into clicking on links or sharing personal details which can then be used to steal money or identities and it can be almost impossible for an ordinary Internet user to identify a fake sender from a real one . Having a DMARC policy in place , protects employees , customers and partners from cybercriminals looking to impersonate a trusted domain .

In 2020 , online shopping has grabbed an ever-increasing market share , given the changing dynamics of retail in the COVID-19 era .

According to Kearney Middle East , the e-commerce sector in the GCC is expected to reach US $ 50 billion by 2025 and the current pandemic has been the main driver for this growth . With Black Friday ( November 27 ) and Cyber Monday ( November 30 ) approaching , online retail traffic is expected to surge to an annual high , as consumers scour the Internet and scan their inboxes for the hottest deals .

Emile Abou Saleh , Regional Director , Middle East and Africa , Proofpoint , said : “ Retailers should prioritise protecting themselves and their customers by implementing simple ,

28 INTELLIGENTCIO www . intelligentcio . com