Cloud web content and media optimizer Akamai today released a holiday-driven spin in which it detailed its system, and how some of its high-profile retail clients have sustained some ‘holiday-spirited’ cyber attacks.

“Based on industry estimates (2), 2010 holiday sales will represent nearly 24% of an average retailer’s total online sales. Combining this figure with calculations for November online retail sales growth(3), Akamai estimates the attacks may have cost the five retailers a total of over $15 million dollars in lost revenue during the three- day period, had they not been thwarted.”

Online retailers are more prone to online attacks (including DDoS ones which Akamai specifically highlighted in its PR) during the holiday shopping season and Cyber Monday. This is exactly why these present Akamai a great audience to target, especially during the time online retailers earn a hefty percent of the annual revenue. The majority of “disruptive IP addresses” against the company’s 5 prominent retailers brought up in the release originated mainly from 4 countries including Thailand, Mexico, Philippines, and Brazil.

Akamai is not the only one who delves into online shopping  dark side. Citrix Systems’ Chief Security Strategist Kurt Roemer discussed with the Board of Advisors to the Payment Card Industry, as we covered here, the latest cloud and consumer online hazards to be aware of as well as defensive measures users can take against them.