Risk of data leakage from image search
Ms. Anna Larkina, web data and privacy analyst at Kaspersky, commented: "Search behavior is changing deeply, especially users' habits of searching for products online.
2025 recorded a clear shift: instead of searching with simple keywords, users switched to searching with images. These models require more detailed input data from users.
Changes in taxes and trade regulations can be exploited for online fraud activities. Adjustments to taxes, import fees and cross-border trade regulations can be exploited as bait for phishing campaigns and fake online stores, such as: advertising unusually cheap incentives or declarations of tax/transportation fee exemptions, hitting the psychology of wanting to save of buyers.
Image search can become a new challenge in the data security problem. Previously, concerns about privacy related to images in e-commerce only revolved around photos users voluntarily shared when evaluating products.
Recommendations from Kaspersky
Users should protect privacy with smart tools: Always carefully consider online sharing content, avoid uploading personal images or private information when searching or chatting.
Always verify senders and links: Don't rush to believe in emails or messages announcing discounts, confirming orders or unexpected promotions. Always carefully check the sender's address and type the URL of the store's website into the browser instead of clicking on any links you receive.
Learn about the store carefully before buying: If shopping at a new or unfamiliar online store, take the time to check the reliability of the booth: Find reviews from other customers, check if the website address is spelled incorrectly, observe if the interface is professional and complete.
Track card transactions regularly: Create a habit (for example, once a week) of logging into a banking application or Internet banking to review recent transactions. If you detect abnormal signs, unlock the card and contact the bank immediately.
Proactively protect your device from malware and the risk of data theft: If you detect an infected application, uninstall it immediately and do not reinstall it until the update has been confirmed to be safe.
Carefully manage sensitive data: Do not save passwords or restore keywords in the photo library or notes, use dedicated, reliable password management software
For retail & e-commerce businesses, Kaspersky recommends:
Protect business infrastructure against many cyber security threats, including phishing and ransomware. Solutions belonging to reliable product lines should be deployed, helping to protect in real time, increasing threat observation, incident investigation and enhanced response.
In case businesses lack dedicated network security personnel, they may consider using high-end security services.
