Consumer Analytics

There is an endless variety of ways hackers can attempt to gain access to retailers’ networks, but a few are particularly common.

In a new study, “Data Breach Digest,” Verizon identifies 18 different data breach scenarios drawn from analyzing more than 1,200 global cases investigated by the Verizon Risk Team in the past three years.

“There is a lot more commonality than most people realize,” said Chris Novak, director of investigative response, Verizon Enterprise Solutions.

In an effort to stay competitive in a field crowded with big players, 27-unit, Minneapolis-based grocery retailer Lunds & Byerlys is creating a highly personalized omnichannel experience.

Lunds & Byerleys is partnering with omnichannel commerce technology provider Unata to launch a new e-commerce and digital customer engagement program. The seamless experience-based program is currently live in six locations with subsequent stores to be rolled out by the end of March.

The Home Depot Inc. has reached a tentative settlement of consumer claims regarding a 2014 data breach that may have exposed personal and financial information of more than 50 million consumers.

Home Depot agreed to pay $13 million to reimburse affected consumers for out-of-pocket expenses and spend at least $6.5 million to offer 18 months of identity protection services for holders of cards that may have been exposed. The retailer also agreed to improve its data security and to hire a chief information security officer.

When it comes to redeeming their holiday gift cards, consumers overwhelming prefer brick-and-mortar stores.

According to a survey by the International Council of Shopping Centers, 77% of consumers who received gift cards planned to redeem them in a physical store.

Neiman Marcus has a lot invested in its brand, and is trying to ensure criminals don’t reap the profits.

In an effort to identify and block fraudulent messages from cybercriminals designed to look like communications from Neiman Marcus, the luxury retailer will deploy the Return Path Email Fraud Protection solution.

Toys“R”Us is adding some communications expertise from Best Buy as the toy retailer announced it has named a new executive vice president.

The retailer said Amy von Walter will join the company as Executive Vice President, Global Communications and Public Relations, effective March 14. She will report directly to Chairman and CEO Dave Brandon.

The theme of constant security vigilance also applies to the EMV chip-based card payment standard. Retailers are not the only ones that have been scrambling to adapt to EMV since the October 2015 mandate.

“The chase is on,” said Brian Engle, executive director of the Retail Cyber Intelligence Sharing Center (R-CISC). “The introduction of EMV-compliant chip technology is driving fraudsters online.”

Even when security technology vendors and users are unaware of a vulnerability, cybercriminals may already be well aware and taking advantage.

It wasn’t all that long ago that the industry was embroiled in the “bricks versus clicks” debate. On one side were the traditionalists, who were sure that online shopping would never really catch on (much less ever occur on a phone). On the other side were the true believers, who had stores going the way of the dinosaur in no time flat.

While online subscription box retailing is still a niche market, it is growing rapidly and consumers have selected their early favorites.