Online Shopping Security KSA: Stay Safe During Sales

New research reveals that online shopping security in KSA remains a critical concern, with 64% of shoppers believing they can detect fraud independently while only 47% actually use security software to protect their payments and block malicious links. Kaspersky identified nearly 6.7 million phishing attacks targeting online stores, payment systems, and banks over the past year, with 55.6% specifically targeting online shoppers.

KSA Shoppers Show High Awareness But Limited Protection

The survey conducted in November 2025 across 15 countries including Saudi Arabia found that 97% of KSA respondents demonstrate substantial awareness of online security risks and implement at least some protective measures. However, fewer than half (47%) use dedicated security software to block phishing attempts and protect payment transactions.

This concerning trend is particularly pronounced among older shoppers (55+), with only 32% using security software when making online purchases. The most commonly adopted practices include vigilance about suspicious hyperlinks or unusual website design (64%) and verifying seller authenticity (65%).

Additional Safety Measures and Generational Differences

Other protective steps include using separate credit cards for digital purchases (50%) and dedicated email addresses for unfamiliar online shops (45%). Meanwhile, 42% consult friends and relatives before purchasing, with this practice more popular among younger shoppers (37%) compared to older generations (21%).

Throughout the year, we’ve observed that online shoppers have consistently been one of the most desirable targets for scammers. During sales periods, their scams can become even more pervasive. It is particularly concerning how scammers are now using AI to craft more sophisticated, targeted phishing attempts.
Olga Altukhova, Senior Web Content Analyst at Kaspersky

Essential Online Shopping Security Practices for Sales Season

Avoid saving complete credit card details on websites unless absolutely necessary
Use a separate debit card specifically for online purchases with transaction alerts enabled
Exercise caution with “flash sales” that seem too good to be true
Use different passwords for each online account and enable two-factor authentication
Apply security solutions with strong anti-phishing components like Kaspersky Premium, which detected 93% of phishing URLs in 2025 testing

As winter sales season approaches, implementing comprehensive online shopping security in KSA becomes crucial for protecting against AI-powered phishing attempts and sophisticated fraud schemes targeting eager shoppers during peak discount periods.