Magecart Attack harms Thousands of UK Retailers

The UK National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) is warning small online merchants to safeguard their clients against card skimming cyber fraudsters as Black Friday and Cyber Monday approach.

The NCSC has issued a warning to over 4000 small company websites regarding their e-commerce systems’ compromised payment gateways, as well as advice for online merchants on how to protect themselves and their customers against Magecart assaults. The NCSC also stated that it was especially crucial for internet merchants to get their houses in shape ahead of the hectic holiday shopping season, which kicks off with Black Friday weekend at the end of this week.

“On Black Friday and Cyber Monday the hackers will be out to steal shoppers’ cash and damage the reputations of businesses by making their websites into cyber traps,” said Steve Barclay, the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster.

The compromised sites were discovered by the NCSC as part of its successful Active Cyber Defence program, which aims to identify and remove dangerous websites and frauds before they have a big impact on consumers. Last year, the program initiated an attempt to shut off 2.3 cyber-enabled commodities marketing, including hundreds of phishing and malware application efforts mimicking NHS branding. The results of the NCSC underline the ongoing threat faced by digital skimming gangs, which are commonly referred to as Magecart attacks.