Proactive Solutions to the Challenges of Retail Cybersecurity
Thanks to innovations in online shopping and mobile payment services, as well as advancements in POS systems and IoT devices enabling greater ecommerce flexibility, the volume of retail transactions is surging at an exponential rate.
IT teams must be ready to defend against a sea of threats, including brute-force attacks, third-party backdoor breaches, and vulnerabilities from payment systems, software, hardware and the cloud — while obtaining and maintaining compliance with complex regulations like PCI-DSS.
By the Numbers
The Challenges of Retail Cybersecurity
Phishing, ransomware, advanced persistent threats and supply chain attacks continue to climb in the retail industry, while cybercriminal innovations are uncovering new ways to exploit vulnerabilities in retail POS systems, IoT devices, endpoints, and cloud and server environments.
Meanwhile, the retail industry faces additional “people” challenges, with high-turnover and a large contingent of seasonal workers, meaning proactive cybersecurity can too easily slip down the list of priorities. Retailers are turning to managed security operations solutions to provide 24×7 monitoring, detection, and response to discover and assess digital risks, and proactively harden their security posture.
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Schedule an overview to see how Arctic Wolf can enhance retail cybersecurity
Schedule an overview to learn why our retail industry customers trust Arctic Wolf to:
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Monitor environments 24x7 to detect and respond to cybersecurity threats
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Provide continual vulnerability assessments
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Partner with them to meet data security compliance obligations
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Identify threats targeting network or cloud applications
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Conduct cybersecurity awareness training for security teams and employees
FAQs: Securing the Retail Environment
Why Retail Cybersecurity Threats Occur
Retailers are frequent targets for cyber attacks because they handle large volumes of sensitive customer data, including payment information. The industry’s reliance on third-party vendors, seasonal staff, and complex digital systems such as point-of-sale terminals, e-commerce platforms, and cloud services creates multiple entry points for attackers. These factors, combined with the high value of stolen retail data, make the sector especially vulnerable to cyber threats.
Retail Cybersecurity Challenges to Look For
Retailers face several cybersecurity challenges, including protecting customer data across multiple channels, managing risks from third-party vendors, and securing systems used by seasonal or temporary staff. The complexity of retail environments, which often include in-store technology, e-commerce platforms, and cloud services, creates multiple entry points for attackers. Staying ahead of evolving threats while maintaining operational efficiency is a constant challenge.
Types of Retail Cybersecurity Threats
Retailers face a variety of cybersecurity threats, including phishing attacks, ransomware, and data breaches targeting customer payment information. Other common risks include vulnerabilities in point-of-sale systems, third-party vendor access, and misconfigured cloud services. These threats can disrupt operations, damage brand trust, and lead to costly compliance violations.
How can retailers protect customer payment data?
Retailers can protect customer payment data by using secure payment processing systems, encrypting sensitive information, and regularly updating software to patch vulnerabilities. Implementing multi-factor authentication, training staff on security best practices, and monitoring for suspicious activity also help reduce risk. Partnering with a trusted cybersecurity provider ensures continuous protection and rapid response to potential threats.
How can Arctic Wolf help retailers improve their cybersecurity posture?
Arctic Wolf helps retailers strengthen their cybersecurity by providing 24/7 monitoring, threat detection, and expert guidance through its Managed Detection and Response (MDR) and Managed Risk services. Our solutions are tailored to the unique challenges of retail environments, helping businesses protect customer data, reduce risk from third-party vendors, and respond quickly to potential threats.
