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.

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.

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.

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

Festive-season cyber fraud is surging across India, with Karnataka alone reporting losses above INR ₹2,000 crores, experts warn.

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.

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

Community-led growth is boosting app success in APAC this holiday season, offering cost-efficient gains amid rising mobile adoption and tighter budgets.

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.

Generative AI boosts US retail web traffic by 4,700% year-on-year as shoppers increasingly use AI tools for research and recommendations, Adobe reveals.

As the festive season approaches, experts warn of rising cyber threats, urging organisations and individuals to strengthen their digital defences during this vulnerable period.

Atlassian's latest research reveals that 68% of knowledge workers face project backlogs by year-end due to shifting priorities and unexpected challenges.

Kaspersky has raised alarms over a surge in phishing scams mimicking Telegram Premium offers, warning users to be vigilant, especially this holiday season.

Hotel bookings for Christmas have surged, with a 43% increase in Germany and British travellers among the busiest, highlighting a global travel revival.