Lessons from NRF Protect Show: What's Required to "Adapt, Prepare and Protect"

“Adapt. Prepare. Protect.” The organizers of NRF Protect applied their own tagline this year, adapting to conditions and protecting people by converting to a virtual event. While some of the in-person magic was missing, the show did not fail to deliver impressive speakers and timely insights on the ever-evolving security space.

Many of the sessions addressed the obvious challenges brought on by the global pandemic and significant changes to the ways we live, work and shop. Distilling lessons learned from several different sessions, here are two key themes from this year’s event:

1. Cybersecurity risks are accelerating – While cybersecurity has been the topic of much discussion for years, the pandemic has accelerated the learning curve. As shoppers transition from cash to contactless, from in-person shopping to ecommerce, many retailers are pushing their back-end systems to the limit and putting their security measures to the test. Just as shopping has evolved, so has cybercrime. The threat is no longer payment card skimming, but malware designed to steal payment data.
2. Security is a multifront battle – 2020 showed retailers just how extensive of a multifront battle security is. From breaches of security via private mobile devices and social media channels, to insufficient security in work-from-home offices, to random acts of violence and completely new security responsibilities associated with protecting customers from an unseen enemy (COVID-19), LP professionals just got a refresher course on how security touches everything and how quickly it changes!

With these realizations in mind, here are a few recommendations to help security prevail in overwhelming times.

Hasten convergence – We’ve talked for years about the convergence of physical and IT security, but 2020 demands it. As cyber threats loom and omnichannel retail proliferates, the two are inseparable. If LP/AP and IT security are not talking, a conversation is overdue.

Security as an integrated, strategic function – The mixing of professional and private spaces demands that security become a truly integrated function in each and every initiative. From new technology deployments to HR guidelines during COVID-19 to customer policies, security should be a consideration in everything you do.

Involve everyone – Security breaches are not the responsibility of a single team or individual. Because security breaches can happen on any device, in any location, it’s essential to educate all parties about security: from employees to customers and partners, teach people the “dos” and “don’ts” of maintaining a secure environment.

We invite you to speak with our physical security experts to help you vet critical technologies, incorporate best practices or simply outline next steps in your efforts to “adapt, prepare and protect.”