Holiday season stories

DigiCert warns Q4 internet traffic stayed high as DDoS and app-layer attacks grew longer and more intense, eroding traditional peak seasons.

Ransomware gangs shrank in number but hit more victims in late 2025, with leak-site postings soaring despite fewer active groups.

Adobe says generative AI referrals to retailers jumped nearly 700% over the 2025 holidays, driving longer visits and stronger conversions.

Black Friday still delivered the peak online surge, but AI-driven search stretched shopping demand across a longer November window.

Retailers urged to brace for early-year spike in chargebacks as mobile shopping and buy now, pay later fuel record US holiday spend.

AI notebook prices across Europe have slumped by a third, pushing the tech into the mainstream as retailers juggle volume against margins.

US holiday shoppers to rein in festive spending as 60% say financial strain will curb gift budgets, new national survey data shows.

US holiday online sales hit a record USD $257.8 billion as shoppers shifted to mobiles, Buy Now Pay Later and generative AI search tools.

AI agents, circular retail and tighter rules will upend shopping by 2026, Akeneo warns, as poor product data threatens brand visibility.

Ransomware attacks dipped in November, but ClickFix techniques and alliances between groups like Qilin and CL0P drove fresh risks.

SMBs battling holiday shipping chaos can turn freight into a strategic edge with smarter tech, clearer pricing and centralised partners.

Retailers brace for a “Christmas Returns Hangover” as eDesk reports a 45% spike in return requests from 26 December, denting profits.

Softonic issues festive-season guide warning of rising scams in fake shops, apps and delivery messages as online bargain hunting surges.

US retailers face rising friendly fraud during Cyber Week as 77% of shoppers dispute charges via banks, threatening profits amid USD $43.7bn online spend.

The holiday rush is a make-or-break moment for Australia's online retailers.

eCommerce platforms face rising AI-driven cyber threats ahead of 2025 holidays as attackers exploit vulnerabilities and stolen credentials for fraud.

US banks boost AI spending to combat rising check fraud, linked to USD $12.5 billion loss, ahead of the holiday season peak in fraudulent activities.

Holiday online sales in the US are set to exceed USD $250bn in 2025, but rising disputes and friendly fraud threaten retailers' profits this season.

AI, social media, and flexible payments like BNPL will shape festive shopping as 69% of consumers trust AI to assist their Black Friday and holiday purchases.

Holiday shoppers demand quick, eco-friendly delivery but resist paying extra, with UK consumers showing low confidence in on-time arrivals, survey reveals.