Protecting your retail environment: understanding emerging threats

Adrian Beck, Emeritus Professor at Leicester University and renowned retail criminology researcher, in recent webinar.

Understanding the importance of security in retail environments

It’s no surprise that in retail, security encompasses more than just protecting merchandise from theft. It’s about safeguarding customers and staff, maintaining operational continuity, locking down customer data, and upholding brand reputation.

Retailers face various threats, ranging from cyber attacks targeting sensitive data to physical threats like theft and vandalism that can disrupt daily operations.

The evolving threat landscape

Physical security risks

Despite advancements in technology, physical security remains a critical concern for retailers. Theft, vandalism, and organized crime can inflict substantial financial and reputational damage. Implementing comprehensive physical security measures is essential to mitigate these risks and ensure a safe environment for staff and customers alike.

Cybersecurity threats

Cyber attacks on retail businesses have become increasingly sophisticated. From data breaches compromising customer information to ransomware attacks disrupting operations, retail organizations are prime targets for cybercriminals. This makes locking down customer data more necessary than ever.

Insider threats

Insider threats, including employee theft and fraud, pose significant challenges to retail security. While businesses focus on external threats, internal vulnerabilities can be equally detrimental. Detecting and mitigating insider risks requires a combination of strict access controls, continuous monitoring, and proactive management practices to maintain a secure internal environment.

Best practices for retail security decision makers

To effectively counter these emerging threats, retail security decision makers are adopting proactive approaches to security management:

• Implementing a comprehensive security Strategy

  
  A holistic security strategy should encompass both cyber and physical security measures tailored to the specific needs of the retail environment. This includes regular risk assessments, policy reviews, and investment in advanced security technologies.

• Collaboration and integration

  
  Close collaboration between IT, security, and operations teams is crucial to strengthen the overall security posture. Integrating Axon’s technologies with existing infrastructure enables seamless operation and enhances overall security effectiveness.

• Continuous improvement and adaptation

  
  Staying ahead of emerging threats requires continuous improvement and adaptation. Retailers should prioritize ongoing training for staff, regular security audits, and the adoption of innovative solutions to address evolving risks.

  Embracing security resilience with Axon Enterprise technologies
  

  As a result of the threats being faced by retailers, the increase of innovative security measures are necessary for organizations to protect their assets, uphold customer trust, and maintain operational continuity. Axon’s Enterprise Technologies offer comprehensive solutions designed to deter incidents, de-escalate violent situations, and keep associates and shoppers safe.

Axon customers have seen strong results in de-escalation through our body-worn cameras and TASER energy weapons, which often negate the need for force, and provide a non-lethal option when force is necessary.

Our body-worn cameras, equipped either on security personnel or retail employees help provide real-time situational awareness, visibility into incidents, and sharing capability with law enforcement.

“When you put cameras on front line workers – their lives at work get safer and easier”

– Connor Kimzey, Environment, Health and Safety Manager

In addition, we know customer data and cybersecurity are at the forefront of many retailers minds. Our data evidence management platform allows for video to be taken in and stored by a cloud platform trusted to be secure by law enforcement.

This platform provides automated video ingestion and auto-tagging, video redaction to address privacy concerns, and an audit trail that shows chain of custody.

As retail security decision makers navigate the complexities of today’s threats, we aim to partner and help mitigate risks effectively.

By integrating Axon’s suite of technologies, retailers can enhance their security frameworks and ensure a safe and secure environment for employees and customers alike.

To learn more about how Axon can strengthen your specific retail security strategy, contact us or see more about our offerings here.