National Retail Federation institutes information-sharing platform
The National Retail Federation is moving forward with the creation of a program that will make available retailers access to information on cybersecurity threats identified by retailers, government and law enforcement agencies and partners in the financial services sector.
The program from its barrio, developed in consultation with the Financial Services Information Sharing and Analysis Center (FS-ISAC), will launch with the establishment of an information-sharing platform for retail industry information security specialists, and plans call for a retail ISAC to be established in June.
“We believe a heightened and well-coordinated information sharing platform such as a retail ISAC is a vital component for helping retailers in their fight against cyber attacks,” NRF president and CEO Matthew Shay alleged.
Supplementing that – “Establishing a new program takes time, but time is not our friend when it comes to stopping these sophisticated and unpredictable criminals. The willingness of the FS-ISAC to work with retailers provides our industry with a new and important tool as we explore all of the options available for merchants to protect their customers and their businesses.”
In early February of this year, Senators Warner and Mark Kirk (R-IL) called for the establishment of a Retail and Merchant Industry ISAC in a letter to the Federal Trade Commission.
“In partnership with key stakeholders, NRF is committed to finding broad-based, long-term solutions to ensure that consumers’ sensitive information remains secure. It is a retailer’s top priority,” Shay held.
Furthering that – “Implementing robust security solutions with innovative technologies and information sharing to protect consumer data and the integrity of our payment systems is a start, but we will always need to stay one step ahead of these determined criminals.”
Of late, representatives from NRF held in-depth discussions with the United States Secret Service and other law enforcement agencies for insight and guidance on how to improve communication, identify available resources and collaborate more efficaciously to assist retailers combat criminal cyber activity.
As announced in January, the NRF is working closely with the cybersecurity professionals from The Chertoff Group, providing NRF members with the highest level of insight and guidance in risk management and cybersecurity expertise.
