Strengthening Retail Industry’s Defense Against Cyber Threats
- BRC launches Cyber Resilience Toolkit for Retail
- Toolkit developed with assistance from National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC)
- Designed for non-cyber experts
- Online sales increased to 32.8% since pandemic
- Retailers spent £186m on cybersecurity in 2020
- Education of consumers on basic cyber hygiene is crucial
The British Retail Consortium (BRC) has developed a new toolkit, the ‘Cyber Resilience Toolkit for Retail’, in collaboration with the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), to help businesses combat cyber attacks. The guide is designed for non-cyber experts and covers threats faced by retailers, key questions for developing cyber resilience strategies, and protection measures. With online sales reaching 32.8% of total retail sales since May, up from 18.8% a year ago, the need for robust cybersecurity has become more critical. BRC CEO Helen Dickinson emphasized that all retailers should use the toolkit to stay updated on cyber threats and educate consumers about basic cyber hygiene. Dr. Ian Levy of NCSC urges industry leaders to familiarize themselves with the toolkit.
Factuality Level: 10
Factuality Justification: The article provides accurate information about the development of the Cyber Resilience Toolkit for Retail by the British Retail Consortium (BRC) in collaboration with the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC). It also includes relevant statistics on the increase in online sales and cybersecurity spending. The quotes from Helen Dickinson and Dr. Ian Levy support the information presented, making it a well-researched and objective news piece.
Noise Level: 2
Noise Justification: The article provides relevant information about the development of a new cybersecurity toolkit for retailers by the British Retail Consortium and National Cyber Security Centre to address the increasing threat of cyber attacks in the sector. It also highlights the importance of consumer education on basic cyber hygiene. The article stays on topic, supports its claims with data (online sales growth), and offers actionable insights for retailers and consumers.
Financial Relevance: Yes
Financial Markets Impacted: The increase in online sales and spending on cybersecurity by retailers
Financial Rating Justification: The article discusses the development of a new cyber resilience toolkit for retailers to protect against cyber attacks, which impacts financial markets through increased spending on cybersecurity and the shift towards online sales. This affects companies in the retail sector and consumer behavior.
Presence Of Extreme Event: No
Nature Of Extreme Event: No
Impact Rating Of The Extreme Event: Minor
Extreme Rating Justification: There is no mention of an extreme event in the last 48 hours.
