< Previous50 edge_december 2023 backlog A s the holiday season sweeps in, our keyboards are getting a workout, and credit cards are feeling the burn. According to Adobe, in 2022, shoppers collectively spent a staggering $211.7 billion on online purchases between November 1 st and December 31 st , marking a 3.5 percent increase from the year before. Adobe’s latest report says that in October 2023, the online shopping spree kicked off with a $76.8 billion—a 5.9 percent YoY increase and $4.3 billion more than the same month in 2022. The allure of early discounts during events like the second Prime Day and the convenience of Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) methods fuelled this spending spree. So far this year, from January to October, consumers have collectively dropped $759 billion online, marking a 4.3 percent YoY increase. This number is only expected to increase in the next We break down some of the insights and trends from the tech industry few weeks as the holiday season is approaching. As we prepare for the year’s grand finale in December, the anticipation is palpable. Adobe’s insights hint at an impending peak in online shopping. The stage is set for a December to remember, where digital tills will undoubtedly be ringing louder than ever before. Amidst this festive frenzy, a lurking Grinch threatens to steal the joy—the rise in online scams. As our screens glow with holiday cheer, cybercriminals are working overtime to exploit the surge in online shopping. Last year, online scams saw a surge in tandem with the increase in digital transactions, and this year is no exception. There are a few tried and tested tips and tricks to keep the holiday spirit alive and your digital sleigh ride secure. The number one suggestion would be to ‘shop where Santa shops’. Stick to retailers who are trusted and well-established. If a deal sounds too good to be true, it probably is. While shopping online, always choose secure payment methods like credit cards or trustworthy digital wallets. Also, make sure to double check if the website link is correct. Phishing emails are like grinches of the digital world. Avoid clicking on suspicious links and head straight to the retailer’s website. Finally, deck the halls with the latest cybersecurity features. “As our screens glow with holiday cheer, cybercriminals are working overtime to exploit the surge in online shopping” Grinch of the digital world By Arya Devi Commercial Editor, edge42KM MARATHON • 10KM ROAD RACE • 4KM FUN RUN Sunday 7th January Register now at dubaimarathon.org Run for the chance to win an EXEED RX *T&Cs ApplyNext >