Black Friday 2018: Spy agency GCHQ issues cyber-crime warning on shopping fever
Black Friday shoppers preparing to spend billions online were on Friday warned not to fall prey to cyber-crime, in a rare intervention from the secretive GCHQ intelligence agency.
In an unusual move for the shadowy organisation, its cybersecurity arm was offering advice to shoppers on how to avoid “malicious” threats as they rush to pick up potential bargains.
The National Cyber Security Centre has told shoppers to install the latest software updates, avoid email links and study their bank accounts as the shopping bonanza puts a strain on online infrastructure. The NCSC’s technical director Ian Levy said: “It’s vital that knowledge is shared.”
Retail bosses were hoping the weekend — Black Friday followed by Cyber Monday — will keep the tills ringing as shops on the High Street continue to struggle. Most retailers have joined the event except Marks & Spencer and some independents that can’t afford to slash margins by not selling items at full price.
Argos chief executive John Rogers, who began preparing for the event nine months ago, told the Standard: “There’s a lot of uncertainty, so shoppers are looking for a bargain. Black Friday will be as big this year as it’s ever been.”
Rogers, who opened a £2.5 million distribution centre in Croydon today and 14 new Argos stores in Sainsbury's to cope with demand, defended the deals amid suggestions retailers are simply trying to clear out old stock and that the discounts aren’t that advantageous.
“Some customers are sceptical on the pricing but this is where we are really confident,” said Rogers. “You won’t have been able to buy these items cheaper at any other time in our business. That involves tough negotiation [with suppliers] but that’s what we’re good at.”
Mothercare chief executive Mark Newton-Jones said: “This period is embedded in the psyche of the British consumer, and I’m convinced they wait for it now.
“It’s a great opportunity for us to clear stock before the end of season.”
Fashion chain Bonmarché’s boss Helen Connolly said: “I have never seen consumer appetite for discounts as defined as this year. I’m a believer in focusing on full-price sales, but you can’t ignore the current climate.”
Online white goods retailer, AO World, started Black Friday sales on November 9. Boss Steve Caunce admitted: “It’s not necessarily a great thing for us. Spikes in orders could cause us delivery issues. That’s why we start early.”
