Cyber attacks on retail and eCommerce organizations are on the rise. Symantec’s 2015 Internet Security Threat Report notes that retail represents 59% of the top five sectors breached by number of identities exposed. The same report notes that attacks on web applications and point-of-sale systems were the source of 75% of retail breaches in 2014.

How Vantage Point helps secure software for retailers

Vantage Point provides a holistic approach to application security that addresses the immediate and long-term needs of retail and eCommerce organizations. Vantage Point's testing-as-a-service capabilities are perfect for PCI and software supply chain requirements, and our scale accommodates periods of high volume testing requirements. Vantage Point accommodates continuous testing required for Agile environments in which online applications rapidly evolve to meet market demands.

Beyond application security testing, Vantage Point can help you develop an end-to-end security model that will reduce unauthorized or suspicious access while still maintaining a smooth process for your customers.

This could include:

• Taking careful inventory of all your network access points, assessing the risk posed by each, and repeating the process on a regular basis as your business evolves.
• Implementing appropriate defenses and controls such as stronger encryption methods, tokenized data vaults and port restrictions.
• Keeping your system security as up-to-date as possible, while maintaining and strengthening process controls.

Why secure software is essential to your retail company

Retailers are caught in a unique set of circumstances:

• The growth of online shopping continues to push commerce to the Web and onto mobile devices, increasing exposure.
• The financial data inherent to the retail experience makes retail and eCommerce applications prime, lucrative targets.
• Increasing regulatory pressures from controls like PCI make testing a necessity.
• Large retailers are driving software supply chain validation initiatives that include mandatory testing.

A breach can be extremely harmful. Tangible costs range from stolen funds and damaged systems to regulatory fines, legal damages, and financial compensation for injured parties. Even worse, it can damage the relationship and trust that you’ve built with your customers and taint your reputation and brand.

Attack vectors are changing rapidly. If you’re unable to keep up with these changes, you could be vulnerable. You need a healthy blend of internal talent and external expertise that is well-versed in new attack and prevention methods.

Protecting your business and your customer relationships is no easy task, but by addressing the severity of attacks, assessing the scope of threat vectors, and then designing an in-depth solution, it’s possible to minimize security risk.

As more shoppers grow wary of the privacy threats their favorite brands face, leaders in the retail industry must ensure that they have exceptional defense profiles if they want to hold on to their loyal customers—and attract new ones.