• TSS
    total-security-summit-advert
    TSS
    total-security-summit-advert
  • The British Retail Consortium Launches Cyber Security Toolkit

    960 640 Stuart O'Brien

    The British Retail Consortium (BRC) has today (March 7th) launched a practical guide to help retailers of all sizes prevent, prepare for, respond to and recover from major cyber-attacks and other forms of online criminal activity.

    The BRC Cyber Security Toolkit is the very first of its kind and has been designed to outline potential threats and provide step by step guidance on dealing with data breaches, plus reporting issues such as fraudulent scams.

    The kit was launched in London by the BRC and Home Office Minister Sarah Newton. Online retail has seen huge growth over recent years, with sales up by 10 to 15 per cent year on year. The same period has seen the rise of complex and elaborate forms of cyber-related crimes against retail businesses and online shoppers.

    A comprehensive list of types and methodologies of cyber-attacks are included within the toolkit, along with recommendations to retail businesses that include establishing cyber security as a board level issue creating an incident response plan.

    The BRC Annual Retail Crime Survey 2016 reports that an estimated 53 per cent of reported fraud in the retail industry is cyber-enabled, representing a cost of around £100 million.

    “The UK is one of the leading e-commerce markets in the world, said Hugo Rosemont, Policy Advisor on Crime & Security at BRC. “The BRC Cyber Security Toolkit is designed to equip British retailers with the know-how, guidance and practical support that will help the industry stay ahead of the ever evolving threats posed by cyber-related criminality. All parts of the retail industry have a large and growing stake in keeping customers safe and secure, and the industry is committed to ensuring the strongest possible measures are in place – all the way through from prevention to incident response.”

    Sarah Newton, Minister for Vulnerability, Safeguarding and Countering Extremism added: “Crime is changing and so the way we all work to tackle it must change too. We are already taking world-leading action to stamp out cyber crime and fraud, including investing £1.9 billion in cyber security over five years. But as we have said, the Government cannot do this alone. Businesses have a responsibility to take steps to protect themselves and their customers, which is why we are delighted that the BRC has introduced their Cyber Security Toolkit to help retailers to do so.”

    AUTHOR

    Stuart O'Brien

    All stories by: Stuart O'Brien