Retailers, whether online or bricks and mortar are top targets for cyber attacks all year long. During National Cyber security Awareness Month it’s a good time to take stock of why retailers remain an attractive target and what tools are available to help thwart cyber attacks.
We all recall the massive retail data breaches in recent years (e.g. Target, Home Depot, etc.) that have most assuredly prompted stronger, more comprehensive cybersecurity strategies among retailers, so we wanted to call out some headlines that shed light on its importance and the very real risks that come with underestimating today’s cyber threats.
Kaspersky, Russia and the Antivirus Paradox
RTI has covered the retail reaction the Kaspersky news a bit already, but Wired’s Brian Barrett takes a deeper dive in what antivirus software actually does and how the Kaspersky situation leverage those abilities to gather U.S. intelligence. He compared Kaspersky’s scenario with North Korea’s use of Hauri, a South Korean antivirus maker that provides services to the country’s military.
Barrett made a poignant statement about the reality of antivirus software: “The two incidents underscore a troubling truth either way: Antivirus software can pose major risks, whether you’re an intelligence service or an everyday computer user.”
While this reality is, indeed, chilling (perhaps seasonally appropriate), it’s important to understand the very real vulnerabilities to cyber attacks that come with something meant to protect companies against them. Something to consider as we approach holiday shopping season.
Read the whole story here.
For Retail Startups, Security is Paramount
If massive retailers like Target and Home Depot are susceptible to cyber attacks, you can imagine that the risk increases exponentially for budding retail companies. For that reason, Anna Johansson shared four ways for retail startups to better protect their cyber entities on GeekTime.
Johansson explained the multi-facet approach to threat prevention that retailers have to take in order to succeed. “Retail businesses face a level of security challenges that many other businesses in other industries don’t have to deal with. Not only do retailers have to worry about cybersecurity and data protection, but they also have to be cognizant of things like burglary and shoplifting.”
Her tips included securing the physical premises, protecting your website, encrypting all data, and limiting access to all company assets.
Read the whole story here.
Equifax Data Breach Poses Massive Threat to Retail Accounts
Several industries are still reeling from the recent Equifax data breach and the retail world is no exception. Lisa Fickenscher of the New York Post explained exactly how this data breach endangers retail accounts.
“One particular brand of cybercrime against shopping sites, called ‘account takeover,’ thrives on exactly the kind of data that’s been spilled at Equifax — namely, shoppers’ names, e-mail addresses, credit card information and preferences,” reported Fickenscher.
As a result of these hacks, retailers often face massive revenue losses in the refunding of fraudulent charges. We can only assume that effect will magnify in the approaching holiday shopping season.
Read the whole story here.
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