How Cybersecurity Impacts the Growth of Online Eyewear Retail

The US eyewear market is experiencing unprecedented growth. According to a market research study by Custom Market Insights, the market’s revenue was valued at approximately US$19.1 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach US$30.3 billion by 2033, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.2%.

This impressive growth is fueled by the expansion of distribution channels, particularly online retailers, which make eyewear products more accessible to a broader audience. The convenience of purchasing glasses, contact lenses, and even prescription eyewear online has enhanced market penetration and consumer satisfaction. 

However, the rise of online eyewear retail comes with a significant caveat: increased cybersecurity risks. As the industry grows, so does its attractiveness to cybercriminals, creating challenges that could undermine consumer trust.

The Growing Risk of Cyberattacks in Online Retail

Cybercrime is a pervasive threat across e-commerce sectors, including online eyewear retail. Each transaction—whether made with a credit card, digital wallet, or another non-cash method—exposes consumers to potential cyber threats. According to BankRate, approximately 80% of purchases in the US are made through these digital payment methods, creating a vast amount of sensitive data for hackers to exploit.

Recent incidents highlight the vulnerabilities retailers face. For instance, a flaw in Adobe Commerce and Magento software led to a data breach affecting over 4,000 online merchants, exposing the personal information of countless shoppers. Even eyewear companies like Ray-Ban have been targeted in cyberattacks, such as the “CosmicSting” breach, which exploited retailer vulnerabilities.

For businesses, the impact of these breaches is enormous. According to IBM, the average cost of a data breach for a company is nearly US$5 million. In 2024 alone, Verizon reported over 30,000 security incidents in retail, with more than 10,000 resulting in data breaches. These incidents not only put consumers at risk but also damage brand reputation, disrupt operations, and strain financial resources.

Cybersecurity challenges facing the online eyewear industry

The online eyewear industry, like other e-commerce sectors, faces a variety of cybersecurity threats. Among the most common types of attacks they face are data breaches where hackers target online eyewear retailers to steal sensitive information, including customer names, addresses, payment details, and prescription data. For example, Colorado-based Panorama Eyecare reported a breach in 2023 that affected over 377,000 individuals. The compromised data included employees’ personal details and patients’ protected health information.

In addition, Warby Parker, a direct-to-consumer eyewear brand, experienced credential-stuffing attacks in 2019. These attacks accessed approximately 198,000 customer accounts. While no payment card information was stolen, the incident highlighted the need for robust defenses.

Aside from data breaches, cybercriminals exploit the eyewear market by selling counterfeit products online, which can harm consumer trust and health. Between 2020 and 2021, the US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) seized counterfeit goods worth $2.5 billion. Sunglasses and eyewear accounted for 27% of these seizures, endangering consumers who unknowingly purchase substandard products.

Retailers are also vulnerable to phishing scams and ransomware attacks. Hackers impersonate legitimate brands to steal consumer data or encrypt retailer systems, demanding ransom for restoration. These attacks can lead to financial losses and reputational damage.

How online eyewear retailers are responding

To sustain growth and maintain consumer trust, online eyewear retailers are adopting stringent cybersecurity measures. Clearly, a retailer known for selling glasses online in Canada, exemplifies best practices in cybersecurity. The company’s transparent privacy policy outlines how customer information is collected, stored, and accessed. The company also monitors its website for unauthorized activity and uses licensed systems for credit card authorization and fraud detection, ensuring safe transactions.

Meanwhile, following the 2019 credential-stuffing attacks, Warby Parker implemented a comprehensive cybersecurity risk management program. This includes regular risk assessments, employee cybersecurity training, and incident response protocols. These measures have strengthened the company’s defenses and reassured customers about the safety of their data.

Many online eyewear retailers are also leveraging advanced fraud detection tools, secure payment gateways, and encryption technologies to protect customer data. Moreover, countries like Canada are continually investing in cybersecurity measures to protect its citizens. Since 2018, the Government of Canada has invested approximately CA$ 4.8 billion (US$ 3.3 billion) in cybersecurity, including a CA$ 144.9 million (US$ 100.6 million) budget in 2019 to introduce a new critical cyber systems framework to protect the country’s cyber infrastructures. 

What consumers can do to protect themselves

While retailers play a crucial role in ensuring cybersecurity, consumers also bear responsibility for protecting themselves. Here are some practical tips:

1. Create strong passwords – As we advised in our post on , it’s best to use unique, complex passwords for each online account. A combination of letters, numbers, and special characters can reduce the risk of unauthorized access. You can also consider using a password manager to generate and store secure passwords.

2. Beware of phishing attempts – Be cautious when clicking on links in emails or messages claiming to be from eyewear retailers. Verify the sender’s authenticity and navigate to the retailer’s website directly instead of using links.

3. Use secure payment methods – Opt for secure payment options like PayPal or virtual credit cards that add an extra layer of protection during transactions.

4. Avoid suspicious discounts or coupon codes – While promotions can be enticing, overly generous discounts from unfamiliar websites could indicate a scam. Always verify the legitimacy of the retailer before making a purchase.

5. Update devices and software – Regularly update your devices and software to patch security vulnerabilities. This includes browsers, operating systems, and antivirus programs.

Final thoughts

The online eyewear retail market is poised for tremendous growth, driven by convenience, affordability, and expanding distribution channels. However, cybersecurity remains a critical factor in sustaining this growth. Data breaches, counterfeit products, and phishing attacks pose significant threats to both consumers and businesses.

By prioritizing cybersecurity, the online eyewear industry can continue to thrive, offering innovative products and services that enhance accessibility and consumer satisfaction. As technology evolves, collaboration between retailers and consumers will be essential in combating cyber threats and shaping a safe future for e-commerce.

Article Written by: Rafael A. Caudell