AV-Comparatives certifies security software against fake online shops

Innsbruck-based testing organization AV-Comparatives has released its 2026 certification results for fake-shop detection. The report evaluates how effectively security software identifies and prevents access to fraudulent e-commerce websites, specifically ahead of the peak shopping period surrounding Black Friday.

Seven security products earned the certification by demonstrating the ability to detect and block malicious online storefronts. The testing process involved subjecting products to a range of known and newly identified scam sites to measure their real-world efficacy.

As digital retail activity increases during the holiday season, security experts note a corresponding spike in fraudulent webshops designed to harvest payment data. The certification aims to provide consumers and enterprises with objective data regarding the reliability of their protection tools.

This audit highlights the necessity for proactive web protection as automated scams become increasingly sophisticated. Consumers are advised to rely on validated software to mitigate risks while shopping online.