Why Cybercriminals Love Prime Day (And How to Protect Your Business)
Amazon Prime Day is one of the biggest shopping events of the year.
It's also one of the busiest times of the year for cybercriminals.
People are hunting for deals, tracking packages, checking emails, and clicking links throughout the day. Cybercriminals know this, and they take advantage of it.
This year, security researchers reported thousands of Amazon-themed domains being registered ahead of Prime Day. While some are legitimate, many are designed to imitate Amazon and trick users into sharing passwords, payment information, and other sensitive data.
Are Prime Day Scams Increasing?
In short: yes.
Cybercriminals know that people are actively looking for deals and expecting messages from retailers. That makes Prime Day one of the easiest times of the year to disguise a scam as a legitimate email, text message, or website.
The good news? Most Prime Day scams rely on the same tactics they've used for years: creating urgency, impersonating trusted brands, and convincing someone to click before they think.
Why Prime Day Creates Risk
Most cyberattacks don't start with a hacker breaking through a firewall.
They start with a person clicking something they shouldn't.
During Prime Day, scammers commonly send:
- Fake order confirmations
- Shipping and delivery notifications
- Account verification requests
- Refund notices
- "Too good to be true" deals
The goal is simple: create urgency and get you to act quickly.
The Business Risk Most People Miss
At first glance, Prime Day shopping doesn't seem like a business issue.
But what happens if an employee clicks a phishing link on a work device? Or uses a business email address to create shopping accounts? Or reuses a password that's tied to a company account?
Suddenly, a personal purchase can create a business problem.
That's why cybersecurity isn't just about technology. It's also about helping people recognize threats before they become incidents.
Five Ways to Stay Safe During Prime Day
Go directly to Amazon.
Instead of clicking links in emails or text messages, open your browser and navigate directly to Amazon.
Enable multi-factor authentication.
A second layer of protection can help prevent unauthorized access even if a password is compromised.
Use unique passwords.
Reusing passwords increases the risk that one compromised account could lead to another.
Slow down.
Cybercriminals count on people acting quickly. Taking a few extra seconds to verify a message can prevent a costly mistake.
Be skeptical.
If something feels off, verify it before you click.
A Good Deal Isn't Worth a Security Incident
Prime Day can be a great opportunity to save money. Just don't let the excitement of a deal create an opportunity for a cybercriminal.
A little caution goes a long way.
And if you're concerned about phishing attacks, employee security awareness, or protecting your business from evolving threats, we're always happy to help. Schedule a call here.
