Grocery And Convenience Store IT News For VARs — April 24, 2014
By Christine Kern, contributing writer
In the news this week, the NRF has announced plans to initiate an information-sharing platform for cybersecurity threats — and the NRF has hailed the decision by Chase to move to PIN and Chip cards, replacing the chip-and-signature cards, a move that will further safeguard against breaches of customer information. Also in the news, hackers are now utilizing vulnerable third-party vendors to access systems, so retailers need to be extra vigilant in checking the security of their systems. Also,
NRF Announces Information-Sharing Platform For Cybersecurity Threats
DrugStoreNews reported that the NRF has announced that it is moving forward with the creation of a program that will provide retailers access to information on cybersecurity threats identified by retailers, government, and law enforcement agencies, as well as partners in the financial services sector. The program, developed in consultation with the Financial Services Information Sharing and Analysis Center (ISAC), will launch with the establishment of an information-sharing platform for retail industry information security specialists, and plans include a retail ISAC to be established in June.
Retailers Hail Chase’s Move To PIN And Chip Cards
The Progressive Grocer reported that the decision by JPMorgan Chase & Co to issue its EMV credit cards as PIN and CHIP cards, rather than chip-and-signature cards, has been cheered by the NRF as necessary for the safety of consumers and businesses alike. This move will help reduce data breaches and protect customer information.
Hackers Can Target Vending Machines, HVAC Monitoring Systems
A The New York Times article says cyberattacks can be tied to a third party, such as vending machine or heating and cooling providers who monitor devices remotely. Vendors are tempting targets for hackers because they tend to run older systems, and once hackers have found a way in, the devices offer them a place to hide in plain sight.
Grocery And C-Store IT Talking Points
The BarCode News reports that there is a new Point asset and tracking app for iPhone. The Point system turns iDevices into intelligent counting and tagging devices. Count data from mobile devices can be centrally managed and viewed from the browser interface, Control Point. This interface enables users to manage counting devices, make inventory exceptions, corrections, and update inventory easily and efficiently in real time.
An article from the Progressive Grocer examines the questions of whether or not grocery stores are doomed. Results of a new study by King Retail Solutions and the University of Arizona’s Terry J. Lundgren Center for Retailing show that 96 percent of shoppers will buy groceries from places other than traditional grocery stores this year.
For more news and insights, visit BSMinfo’s Grocery and Convenience Store Tech Center.