--- title: "Safeguarding Retailers Against Cyber Threats | DuoCircle" description: "Safeguarding Retailers Against Cyber Threats." image: "https://www.duocircle.com/images/og-default.png" canonical: "https://www.duocircle.com/blog/phishing-protection/protecting-retail-businesses-from-cyber-attacks/" --- Quick Answer Retail is one of the hardest-hit verticals for cyberattacks: 24% of all attacks target retail, attacks rose 117% in 2021, 99% are financially motivated, 42% of compromised data is payment-related, and 41% is PII. Retailers store concentrated payment and identity data, run hybrid environments mixing PoS terminals with cloud-based ecommerce, and face exposure through software vulnerabilities, insecure third-party plugins, cloud-based botnets, NFC, and PoS systems lacking point-to-point encryption. Five defense practices: layered security (firewalls plus encryption plus IDS plus endpoint), regular security audits to identify drift, secure payment processing with end-to-end encryption, tokenization, and PCI DSS compliance, phishing awareness training so staff recognize social engineering, and HTTPS plus strong encryption for transmission. 34% of retailers cite cybersecurity concerns as the top barrier to ecommerce expansion. Safeguarding Retailers Against Cyber Threats Your browser does not support the audio element. [ Download episode](https://media.mailhop.org/duocircle/images/2023/09/Safeguarding-Retailers-Against-Cyber-Threats.mp3) Share [ ](https://www.linkedin.com/sharing/share-offsite/?url=undefined%2Fblog%2Fphishing-protection%2Fprotecting-retail-businesses-from-cyber-attacks%2F "Share on LinkedIn") [ ](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?text=Safeguarding%20Retailers%20Against%20Cyber%20Threats&url=undefined%2Fblog%2Fphishing-protection%2Fprotecting-retail-businesses-from-cyber-attacks%2F "Share on X/Twitter") [ ](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=undefined%2Fblog%2Fphishing-protection%2Fprotecting-retail-businesses-from-cyber-attacks%2F "Share on Facebook") [ ](https://reddit.com/submit?url=undefined%2Fblog%2Fphishing-protection%2Fprotecting-retail-businesses-from-cyber-attacks%2F&title=Safeguarding%20Retailers%20Against%20Cyber%20Threats "Share on Reddit") [ ](mailto:?subject=Safeguarding%20Retailers%20Against%20Cyber%20Threats&body=Check out this article: undefined%2Fblog%2Fphishing-protection%2Fprotecting-retail-businesses-from-cyber-attacks%2F "Share via Email") ![Cyber threat](https://media.mailhop.org/duocircle/images/2023/09/spf-record-6644.jpg) _Amidst the widespread digital transformation, the retail industry stands at the crossroads of innovation and vulnerability. Therefore, retailers need to draw their line of defense with a comprehensive approach to [cybersecurity](/), including robust_ [_email security_](/content/email-security-services/what-is-email-security) _safeguards._ Retail stores, supermarkets, and mall outlets are among the most convenient options for ordinary individuals to avail of goods and services. However, the [retail sector](https://securityboulevard.com/2023/02/retail-sector-ransomware-attacks-grow-by-67-in-2022/) is one of the **hardest-hit verticals** in terms of cyberattacks. _The fact that retail enterprises store vast quantities of consumers’ confidential data and payment details makes them a **prime target** for malicious actors_. Consequently, retail business attacks keep mounting, with an [increase of 117%](https://www.ptsecurity.com/ww-en/about/news/positive-technologies-finds-117-percent-increase-in-cyberattacks-on-retail/) in 2021\. Besides email scams, retail stores and establishments remain vulnerable to phishing and ransomware threats. ## Key Statistics on Retail Business Attacks The figures below explain the **urgent need** for retailers to invest in [email protection](/email-services/what-is-post-delivery-email-protection-and-why-it-is-crucial/) and strengthen their defense mechanisms against all types of cyberattacks. - Among all cyberattacks, [24% of threats](https://www.threatintelligence.com/blog/retail-cybersecurity#:~:text=24%25%20of%20cyberattacks%20targeted%20retailers,most%20serious%20digital%20threat%20%28BDO%29) target the retail industry. - Cybersecurity concerns proved to be the key hurdle for 34% of retailers to venture into e-commerce. - As much as [99% of cyberattacks](https://www.verizon.com/about/news/verizon-2020-data-breach-investigations-report) on the retail industry are **financially motivated**. - [42% of the data](https://www.verizon.com/business/resources/reports/dbir/2021/data-breach-statistics-by-industry/retail-data-breaches-security/) compromised in a cyberattack is related to payment, while 41% comprises personally identifiable information (PII). - Privacy breaches and cyberattacks are the **most severe** digital threats, according to [34% of retailers](https://www.threatintelligence.com/blog/retail-cybersecurity#:~:text=24%25%20of%20cyberattacks%20targeted%20retailers,most%20serious%20digital%20threat%20%28BDO%29). ## What Makes Retailers a Soft Target for Malicious Actors? Retailers are a soft target for malicious players as they store large volumes of customer data, which includes their credit card numbers and PII. Thus, they are a **goldmine for threat actors** who steal these details. While some sell these details on the dark web, others try to leverage the data directly for financial gains. [![security threats](https://media.mailhop.org/duocircle/images/2023/09/anti-phishing-software-1.jpg)](https://media.mailhop.org/duocircle/images/2023/09/anti-phishing-software-1.jpg) Today, a significant share of retail businesses operate in a hybrid environment. While they use PoS in [brick-and-mortar settings](https://www.shopify.com/in/retail/brick-and-mortar#:~:text=A%20brick%2Dand%2Dmortar%20store%20is%20a%20retail%20location%20where,test%20products%2C%20and%20purchase%20goods.), e-commerce retailers largely depend on **cloud-based systems**. Common cybersecurity issues surrounding this hybrid environment include: - [Software vulnerabilities](https://latesthackingnews.com/2023/04/25/cisa-warns-of-papercut-print-software-vulnerabilities-under-attack/) - Usage of insecure third-party plugins - Cloud-based botnets - Near Field Communications (NFC) - PoS systems lacking P2PE (Point to Point Encryption) ## Fortifying Retail Organizations Against Cyber Threats Cybersecurity experts recommend the following **countermeasures** to prevent retail business attacks. ### 1\. Implementing Multi-Layered Security A **multi-layered defense system** defines the core of [cybersecurity in the retail sector](https://www.intelligentcio.com/me/2023/05/15/ensuring-effective-cybersecurity-in-the-retail-sector/). Retailers need to incorporate a coordinated defense mechanism. A combination of firewalls, [encryption protocols](/email-security/the-evolution-of-email-security-over-time-a-deep-dive-into-eight-modern-email-encryption-protocols/), **intrusion detection systems**, and endpoint security can ward off various attack vectors. This multi-layered approach ensures that others limit the damage even if one security layer is compromised. ### 2\. Conducting Regular Security Audits With cyber threats continually evolving, retail businesses need to equip themselves to protect against **sophisticated attack mechanisms**. The situation calls for [regular security audits](https://www.auditboard.com/blog/what-is-security-audit/#:~:text=Regular%20security%20audits%20make%20penetration,organization%20to%20remediate%20such%20findings.) to evaluate the integrity of your infrastructure. These audits can help **identify vulnerabilities** and evaluate the effectiveness of existing security systems. Accordingly, retailers need to tweak their existing systems to strengthen their defense mechanisms. ### 3\. Secure Payment Processing Securing payment processing systems is of paramount importance for retail businesses. [POS (Point-of-sale) breaches](https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/news/security/ncr-suffers-aloha-pos-outage-after-blackcat-ransomware-attack/) can lead to significant financial losses, eroding customer trust. Implementing [end-to-end encryption](/email-security/ensure-confidentiality-of-your-emails-with-secure-email-gateways-and-end-to-end-encryption/) for payment data is crucial to prevent retail business attacks. _Besides, retail businesses should adopt **tokenization techniques** and comply with Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) regulations._ [![email scams](https://media.mailhop.org/duocircle/images/2023/09/spf-record-5566.jpg)](/phishing-protection/protecting-retail-businesses-from-cyber-attacks/attachment/email-service-vector-concept-metaphor) ### 4\. Employee Training and Awareness No cybersecurity system is foolproof if employees aren’t well-versed in best practices. Providing your employees with comprehensive [phishing awareness training](/phishing-awareness-training) empowers them as the first line of defense against social engineering attacks, phishing attacks, and email scams. This type of training equips them with the **knowledge and skills** needed to recognize and thwart these threats effectively. Trained employees are better poised to **identify potential threats** and respond to them promptly. They can help enhance the overall security posture of retail businesses. ### 5\. Data Encryption and Secure Transmission Since retail organizations handle vast consumer data, encrypting the information is imperative. Implementing secure protocols like [HTTPS](https://www.javatpoint.com/https) for online transactions and employing robust **encryption algorithms** can secure sensitive data from being intercepted by malicious players. ## Final Words The mission to thwart retail business attacks is an **ever-evolving** process. With attack mechanisms growing more sophisticated with the evolution of technology, preventing retail business attacks requires a more vigilant stance. You are better poised to combat threats and preserve **customer trust** when equipped with the recommended strategies. Therefore, a robust and comprehensive cybersecurity approach is vital for maintaining an effective and efficient line of defense against [malicious actors](/data-privacy/malicious-actors-use-azure-serial-console-to-gain-unauthorized-access-to-microsoft-vms/) who have an eye on the retail industry. ## Topics email securityNewsSecurityUpdates ![Brad Slavin](https://media.mailhop.org/dmarcreport/images/team/brad-slavin.jpg) Brad Slavin General Manager General Manager at DuoCircle. Product strategy and commercial lead across the email security portfolio. ## Secure your email infrastructure Protect, authenticate, and deliver. Contact our team to find the right solution. [Contact Sales](/contact/) [Explore Products](/products/) ## Related Articles [ Phishing 6m How to Spot Scams Like ‘Boxes Of Money’ Email Scam Jul 11, 2023 ](/blog/phishing-protection/how-to-spot-scams-like-boxes-of-money-email-scam/)[ Phishing 5m Malicious Email Attachments Are Here to Stay: How to Protect Against Them? May 8, 2023 ](/blog/phishing-protection/malicious-email-attachments-are-here-to-stay-how-to-protect-against-them/)[ Phishing 5m 10 Applications of ChatGPT that Hackers Are Already Exploiting May 3, 2023 ](/blog/phishing-protection/10-applications-of-chatgpt-that-hackers-are-already-exploiting/)[ Phishing 6m A Guide to Checking the Legitimacy of a URL Jan 5, 2024 ](/blog/phishing-protection/a-guide-to-checking-the-legitimacy-of-a-url/) ```json {"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"Organization","name":"DuoCircle LLC","url":"https://www.duocircle.com","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","url":"https://www.duocircle.com/images/duocircle-logo.png"},"description":"DuoCircle is a portfolio of specialized email products covering protection, authentication, delivery, and routing. We deliver about 90% of category-leader capability at roughly half the price, backed by experts who own the outcome. 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