Latest News: cybersecurity in apparel

Security breaches remain a significant threat to fashion companies even though many have improved their cybersecurity. 

The frequency of cyberattacks has been increasing since 2020, with notable attacks on sports fashion retailer JD Sports reported in Q1 2023, as widespread remote working that began in response to Covid-19 enabled hackers to easily target employees accessing corporate networks through VPNs, according to GlobalData’s Cybersecurity in Retail and Apparel 2022 report.  

However, security breaches remain a significant threat even though fashion companies have improved their cybersecurity in response to these threats through investment in zero-trust network access (ZTNA), which enables secure access to internal applications for remote workers. Retailers must focus on protecting both consumer and employee data through ongoing investment in cybersecurity, enabling them to prevent cybersecurity attacks in the first place. Indeed, not doing so will only dampen consumer confidence in e-commerce, potentially inhibiting sales via this channel. 

Not only are cyberattacks a risk to fashion retailers’ sales, if websites may need to be shut down in the short term, but they also impact customer loyalty and trust in the retailer. Fashion retailers must act quickly to strengthen their cybersecurity to retain their shoppers, as consumers may switch to fashion brands with more credible reputations. These types of threats will be particularly concerning for online specialists as their customers may be tempted to return to shopping in stores once their trust in buying online is damaged. Using tools such as threat detection and response (TDR) which would identify threats before any malicious behaviour can take place, will add a layer of defence to minimise the frequency of such cyberattacks, thus helping to alleviate existing shoppers’ worries about the security of their personal details. 

The UK online retail market benefited from the pandemic driving more consumers to shop on phones and computers, and many retailers improved their online platforms to make it easier to purchase, which likely resulted in more shoppers storing card details online to allow for faster checkout. However, with 65.0% of consumers stating they are concerned about storing their payment details online, retailers still have a long way to go in strengthening their online safety before consumers’ worries are placated.  

Retailers should give consumers the option to pay through third parties such as Paypal, as 58.5% of consumers stated that they prefer to pay through these providers, as this will streamline the online shopping journey while ensuring that shoppers feel more confident and secure when paying online. 

The National Retail Federation (NRF) is bringing the retail industry together to discuss loss prevention, asset protection, digital fraud and cybersecurity.

NRF Protect, which is taking place at the Gaylord Texan Resort in Grapevine, Texas is aimed at tackling cybersecurity threats. 

The three-day event addresses retailers' concerns over protecting inventory from shoplifters, data from website hacks, and customers and employees from harm. 

The speakers include industry experts from fashion and retail backgrounds with an array of sessions, including a keynote session with Walmart US president and CEO John Furner.  

NRF explains: "You’ll connect with brands that are facing the same challenges as you and learn vital insights on how to meet those challenges, so you can stay a step ahead of any threat. NRF Protect gives you a unique perspective because we are the only conference that brings together retail professionals from the loss prevention, asset protection, cybersecurity and digital fraud communities."