The retail sector is gaining popularity in the shadowy world of cybercrime, with recent industry reports calling it one of the five most targeted sectors for data breaches. National and global headlines provide a steady stream of news reflecting this trend as more and more retailers face the financial and reputational damage inflicted by cyberattacks.
One recent example, a retail food supplier was hit by a cyberattack that temporarily disrupted its online ordering systems, resulting in interrupted food supplies to several major grocery stores across the U.S. The widely reported incident is expected to materially affect its quarterly earnings. Earlier in 2025, two major British retailers faced significant disruptions, resulting in halting online orders and the theft of huge amounts of customer and employee data. Initial speculation linked the attacks to a notorious cybercriminal group known for sophisticated social engineering tactics.
Why Retail? A Data Treasure Trove
Retailers are prime targets due to the immense volume of sensitive personal information they handle, such as credit card data, personal identifiable information and purchasing habits. A single breach can expose tens of thousands, if not millions, of data points that can be quickly monetized on the dark web. In addition, the digitalization of retail, including e-commerce, supply chains and interconnected point-of-sale (POS) systems, has expanded the attack surface, making retail more vulnerable than ever.
In fact, retailers are experiencing the most rapid growth in breach-related expenses of any sector, with average costs climbing 17.6% year-over-year, reaching $3.48 million per incident, according to an April 2025 article in Chain Drug Review.
Industry Explores New Security Innovations to Outwit Fraudsters
As cybercriminal groups elevate their tactics, the retail industry is recognizing the need to shore up security against increasingly sophisticated hackers. This is particularly important due to the expanding use of cloud environments for data storage and the rise of edge computing. Retailers, like other industries across the world, are turning to the cost efficiencies of cloud storage and the information immediacy of edge computing. While both offer major business advantages, they also open new vulnerabilities if not properly secured.
New ECS Edge Connector Heightens Cloud-to-Edge Security to New Levels
The ECS Edge Connector is purpose-built for the modern retail landscape—delivering ultra-reliable performance, uninterrupted uptime, and integrated Zero-Trust cybersecurity.
Designed to address the evolving demands of digital retail environments, it merges Intel® Atom x7000RE computing power with Zscaler’s industry-leading Zero Trust Exchange (ZTE) platform to create a secure, scalable edge infrastructure. Whether it’s a flagship store, pop-up location, or mobile operation, the ECS Edge Connector ensures secure connectivity, efficient operations, and optimized customer experiences.
Key Features
- Intel® Atom x7000RE Processor: High-efficiency, rugged compute power for edge and IoT workloads.
- Zscaler Zero-Trust Exchange (ZTE): Cloud-native security stack that protects users, devices, and data—without reliance on legacy firewalls or VPNs.
Retail Use Cases
Enhanced Customer Experiences
- Real-time personalized promotions, augmented-reality shopping, and kiosk interactions
- Low-latency in-store and mobile engagement
Smart Store Operations
- Digital signage, smart monitors, and IoT alert systems
- Improved customer engagement and store management
Improved Inventory Management
- Real-time tracking via RFID and smart sensors
- Automation for replenishment, stock accuracy, and labor efficiency
Seamless Checkout
- Contactless and mobile payments with secure, fast processing
- Smart shelf integration triggers alerts and reorders
Heightened Security
- High-definition video, smart surveillance, and real-time alerts
- Secure transmission and storage of all surveillance data
Optimized Online Integration
- Synchronized updates for inventory, shipping, and order status
- Enhances buy-online/pickup-in-store workflows
Scalable Store Infrastructure
- Deploy POS, security, and inventory systems without physical network installs
- Ideal for seasonal, pop-up, or multi-site expansion
AI-Driven Retail Analytics
- Real-time data for demand forecasting and store layout optimization
- Behavioral insights from in-store customer movement
If you’d like to learn more about how the ECS Edge Connector can help you optimize retail operations, enhance customer satisfaction, and protect valuable data, visit equuscs.com/ecs-edge-connector-solutions.
