NRF to launch cybersecurity data sharing platform for retailers
Washington, D.C. - The National Retail Federation is moving forward with the creation of a program that will allow retailers to access to information on cybersecurity threats identified by other retailers, government and law enforcement agencies and partners in the financial services sector. The program, 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 2014.
Recently, representatives from NRF held in-depth discussions with the U.S. Secret Service and other law enforcement agencies for insight and guidance on how to improve communication, identify available resources and collaborate more effectively to help retailers combat criminal cyber activity.
NRF has also retained the services of Kim Peretti, a partner in the law offices of Alston and Bird, LLC. Peretti is part of the firm’s White Collar Crime Group and co-chairs the Security Incident Management and Response Team. She is also a former director of PricewaterhouseCoopers’ cyber forensic investigation unit and a former senior litigator for the Department of Justice's Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section.
As announced in January, the NRF is working closely with the cybersecurity professionals from The Chertoff Group to provide NRF members with insight and guidance in risk management and cybersecurity expertise.
“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 said. “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.”