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 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.

AI tools and online deals help drive a 5% rise in Australian Christmas retail spending, with discount and department stores surging.

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

Australian holiday shoppers are spending strategically, forcing retailers to sharpen promotions, personalise offers and boost in-store experience.

TikTok trends, AI tools and global flavours are transforming Kiwi Christmas menus, as Appetise data shows earlier, budget-savvy festive planning.

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.

Seventy percent of Australians plan to shop online this holiday season, with AI tools and Buy Now, Pay Later options driving a digital surge in sales.

Australian holiday spending is set to rise 18% to AUD $969 per shopper, driven by price hikes and stress, with many using AI to aid gift buying this season.

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.