TALKING

As a result of this interconnectedness , customer data flows across a complex and ever-expanding network , which is beneficial for convenience and customer experience . However , it also creates a larger attack surface for cybercriminals .

According to the Verizon Business 2023 Data Breach Investigations Report 86 % of retail breaches involved stolen credentials – highlighting the vulnerability of traditional username and password logins .

IBM Security ' s 2023 Cost of a Data Breach Report indicates the average global cost of a data breach has now reached a record high of $ 4.35 million .

The retail sector experiences even higher costs due to the sensitive nature of the data it handles .

Ransomware is a particularly dangerous weapon in a cybercriminal ' s arsenal . According to the Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency ( CISA ), ransomware attacks surged 388 % between 2015 and 2021 . from physical stores to remote workers accessing applications , and from cloud applications storing customer data to everything in between .

A fundamental principle of SASE is zero trust . This approach assumes no user or device is considered inherently trustworthy , so access requests are constantly verified before being granted . A common zero trust practice used by SASE is multi-factor authentication . This means that in addition to a password , a user needs to provide further verification such as using an authentication application , fingerprint scan or a code sent to their phone . This significantly reduces the risk of unauthorized access , even if a hacker manages to steal a user ' s login credentials .

A strategic partner of HPE Aruba Networking , Xalient specializes in delivering SASE solutions tailored to the unique needs of retailers .

Martin Mascarenhas , Customer Engagement Director , Xalient , said : " By leveraging the advanced security features of SASE , retailers not only protect their critical data but also enhance customer trust . In today ’ s digital landscape , where cyber threats are ever evolving , maintaining robust security measures is paramount to safeguarding customer information and ensuring a seamless shopping experience ."

Beyond the financial impact , data breaches can also undermine customer trust . In today ' s digital age , consumers expect retailers to take their data security seriously . A breach that exposes personally identifiable information ( PII ), such as credit card or social security numbers , can lead to customer churn and lost sales .

SASE goes beyond zero trust to provide a comprehensive security suite for retailers .

Retailers also face a growing burden of compliance with data security regulations . The Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard ( PCI DSS ) mandates strong data security practices for any organization that accepts , transmits or stores credit card information . Failure to comply with PCI DSS can result in substantial fines and harm a company ’ s reputation . Furthermore , adherence to various regional and industry-specific regulations adds complexity to the compliance landscape .

In this digital battlefield , Secure Access Service Edge ( SASE ) has emerged as a powerful defense mechanism for retailers . SASE is a cloud-based security model that combines networking and security functionality . Imagine a single , centralized security point that safeguards the entire network –

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