Data Security

This holiday season, U.S. online sales are projected to grow nearly 5 percent over last year’s numbers, which is good news for retailers hoping to close out the year with a strong Q4. Unfortunately, cybercriminals are targeting retailers with growing regularity. During the holiday season, any website downtime or service outage can result in significant…

In the retail industry, customer data is a prized possession. It’s the lifeblood that fuels personalized marketing and tailored experiences. However, this treasure trove of information also makes retailers prime targets for cyberattacks. The ongoing battle to safeguard this sensitive data is a constant struggle, especially during the high-stakes holiday season. The consequences of these…

Staples announced Monday it had been hit by a cyber attack during the week following Thanksgiving that temporarily disrupted customer support channels and delivery systems. “Staples recently identified a cybersecurity risk [and] took proactive steps in an effort to mitigate the impact and protect customer data," the company said on its website. PC Magazine reported…

Generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) is the next big thing for retail. With 92 percent of retailers planning to increase AI investments next year, leading brands like Walmart are already rolling out GenAI assistants to help customers with purchases. The possibilities for GenAI are endless, but they create new risks for data breaches that everyone needs…

To sell goods and services to consumers, the more successful businesses use two fronts instead of one. Brick-and-mortar shops serve local customers, while online storefronts serve the rest of the world. To track every transaction, companies need help from modern digital technologies, including endpoint management. This ensures that the devices that help complete a transaction…

As artificial intelligence tools go mainstream and companies look to harness their full potential, it’s logical for online retailers to integrate the technology into their selling strategies. E-commerce already offers key benefits around data collection, and AI’s capabilities promise to make vendors smarter and more agile in improving their approaches. However, that doesn’t mean that…

A frictionless checkout experience and a need for data security and portability are crucial concerns for retailers and consumers alike. On one side, consumers demand payment optionality at checkout, while on the other, retailers strive to meet that challenge by utilizing various payment service providers (PSPs) and payment methods. It’s no wonder then that at…

Loyalty is big business. In the U.S., research has shown that there are over 3.3 billion loyalty memberships. Programs span across almost all markets, from supermarkets and restaurants to beauty and hospitality. For organizations, a loyalty program that resonates with consumers can set them apart from competitors. Last year, for example, Starbucks told investors that…

Forever 21 encountered what it termed a cyber incident that impacted a “limited number” of its systems on March 20, 2023. The investigation unveiled that an unauthorized third party accessed files from specific systems between Jan. 5, 2023, and March 21, 2023. The fast-fashion retailer believes that the third party hasn’t copied, retained or shared any of…

Hot Topic, best known for its entertainment and music merchandise, apparel and accessories, notified customers Tuesday it had discovered a cyber attack that may have compromised personal information. In a notice, the company said it recently identified "suspicious login activity" to certain Hot Topic Rewards accounts. After an investigation, Hot Topic found that unauthorized parties…