One big thing

Ransomware remains the top cybersecurity threat for retailers, despite the hype around AI.

Why it matters

Cybersecurity attacks have real-world impacts on consumers, from hospital diversions to school closures, yet many struggle to prioritize protection.

Go deeper

• CSOs across sectors face similar challenges, with threat actors constantly evolving tactics
• Quantifying cybersecurity risks is difficult, especially for small and medium-sized businesses
• Gift card scams highlight the overlap between cyber and physical retail crime
• AI is being cautiously explored to help prioritize threats and detect malicious files

The bottom line

While AI generates buzz, cybersecurity experts are taking a measured approach, focusing on proven threats like ransomware while exploring AI's potential benefits.

Retail's Most Wanted is presented by LVT and the Attorney General Alliance.

Frank Patercity, Kroger's director of corporate security investigations, shares insights on the evolving landscape of organized retail crime (ORC).

Why it matters: ORC is not just about property theft - it's linked to serious crimes like human trafficking and weapons offenses.

Big picture: Retailers are joining forces with law enforcement and pushing for legislation to combat ORC effectively.

Key takeaways:

1. Gift card fraud is a growing trend in ORC, recognized by retailers and Homeland Security.
2. Partnerships with law enforcement and other retailers are crucial in fighting ORC.
3. Legislative efforts like the INFORM Act and Combating Organized Retail Crime Act are vital for long-term solutions.
4. ORC investigations often uncover larger criminal networks and more serious offenses.

The bottom line: Retailers must focus on people, not just property, to effectively combat ORC and its far-reaching impacts on communities.

Retail's Most Wanted is presented by LVT and the Attorney General Alliance.

Suzie Squier, President of the Retail & Hospitality Information Sharing and Analysis Center (RH-ISAC), discusses the evolution of cybersecurity threats in retail and the importance of collaborative defense.

Why it matters:

As cyber threats evolve, retailers need to stay ahead. RH-ISAC facilitates crucial information sharing among its 270 member companies to combat emerging risks.

By the numbers:

• 10 years: RH-ISAC has been operating since 2014
• 270: Number of member companies in RH-ISAC
• 2: Size of the smallest cybersecurity teams in member companies

The big picture:

Cybersecurity threats have evolved from point-of-sale skimming to sophisticated ransomware and AI-enabled attacks. RH-ISAC helps members stay ahead through:

• Automated alerts on potential vulnerabilities
• Routine threat briefings
• Closed-door sessions to address specific threats

What they're saying:

What's next:

RH-ISAC aims to grow internationally while maintaining its community feel. Key focus areas include:

• AI and its security implications
• Cloud security
• Mergers, acquisitions, and divestitures in cybersecurity

Retail's Most Wanted is presented by LVT and the Attorney General Alliance.