Bira launches new cyber support hub for retailers

The British Independent Retailers Association (Bira) have on Wednesday launched a new cyber support hub in partnership with the Cyber Resilience Centre for the West Midlands (WMCRC).

The platform, available to retail businesses across the country, is being launched to help support retailers who have been seeing a rise in the number of cyber attacks in recent years.

A recent report published by PwC revealed that cyber-attacks on retail clients had increased by over 30 per cent, and with the opening of retail businesses having increased by 8 per cent in the last two years, the industry is becoming more and more appealing to cybercriminals.

There have been further reports that suggest cyber-attacks on retailers occurred roughly 1 in every 8 days in 2021.

The Cyber Security Hub will host a surplus of content that includes easy-to-follow and simple top tips on key topics such as two-factor authentication, the use of passwords, application and software updates.

“I’m thrilled to be able to announce the launch of our new cyber support hub for Bira’s members, as I’ve seen first-hand through my policing career the devastation that cyber-attacks can cause,” Detective Inspector Michelle Ohren, project lead and head of cyber and innovation at the WMCRC, said.

“Cyber security is not just for large companies; I can’t state that enough. We see many businesses regularly suffer cyber-attacks that can take them offline for days, weeks and sometimes permanently. It may be as simple as hackers gaining unauthorised access to your store’s social media account, and revoking your access, leaving you unable to access the account. During which time the hackers are able to post content with dangerous links.

“This would be unknown to your customers, who would then potentially buy through your platform, with the money being deposited in fraudulent bank accounts. This leads to your customer being left with no product or service. Whilst this may seem unlikely, it’s quite the opposite, and sadly just one of the ways cybercriminals can launch an attack on your business.”

Andrew Goodacre, Bira chief executive, added: “With increased levels of online shopping it is vital for retailers to have good cyber security in place. Shoppers expect their details to be secure and good security will retain consumer confidence. This Hub is an excellent way of informing and helping independent retailers.”