According to Cequence, an API security and bot management firm, freshly mined data revealed a 96% surge in attack traffic targeting retailers occurred during the Labor Day weekend.
In another example of gains in fraudulent activity, Cequence maintained that during a recent summer sales event, a notable but unnamed retailer witnessed a blocked bot traffic surge of 435% versus normal levels. The volume of malicious traffic experienced a 2,724% increase from normal levels during the major sales event. The company added that retailers could lose $60,000 every hour without proper bot and API protection, especially during high-traffic periods.
“During holiday seasons, retailers often face a perfect storm of increased vulnerability,” William Glazier, director of threat research at Cequence, said in announcing the data. “Reduced staffing levels, coupled with the surge in online activity driven by sales and promotions, create a prime opportunity for cybercriminals to exploit. Retailers risk significant financial losses due to fraudulent activities without robust bot and API protection.”
