Securing Retail Edge Computing: Addressing Data Risks and Building Trust

Retailers deal with a lot of data from many different places. There’s point-of-sale data, customer personally identifiable information (PII), information on buying habits and profiles and more. To handle the vast amounts of data from so many systems, most retailers use edge computing.

While edge computing has significant advantages, like faster data processing time, it also presents unique data security challenges with its larger attack surface and lack of standardized security. According to Forrester research, 61% of  infrastructure and architecture leaders at large retail organizations cite security, cybersecurity, and privacy concerns as a top challenge at the edge. Here’s how retailers can protect their data, ensure compliance and still boost profits with edge computing.

Retail Data Security Challenges at the Edge

Unique Compliance Challenges in Edge Computing

 Regulations such as PCI DDS, GDPR and CCPA all restrict how businesses can collect, use and store consumer data, making it more difficult for retail companies to market to target audiences, update inventory and adjust pricing. 

Retailers using edge computing must comply with these regulations; if they don’t, they could face hefty fines. That’s easier said than done, though. Data storage is often decentralized, which means it’s more difficult to access data from other devices. Data processed at edge devices may be subject to different laws based on the physical location of the device; for example, GDPR applies to data processed within the EU, but edge devices may operate globally. 

Additionally, edge computing environments have a diverse device landscape. The wider the variety of devices, the more difficult it is to make sure all devices are compliant. It’s also difficult to manage data security and comply with all regulations because there’s limited control over edge locations.

Why Edge Environments Need To Prioritize Data Privacy

Every retail purchase includes personal information such as payment information, addresses and other personal details. It’s vital for companies to protect this data. Besides legal and regulatory compliance, it’s also a matter of protecting customers, preserving brand integrity and avoiding PR crises. 

If you’re a retailer using edge computing to manage inventory, run point-of-sale-systems, or leverage real-time analytics, you have to contend with additional data security threats. In a distributed and diverse environment, you’re at risk for data breaches due to device vulnerabilities. Device failure or theft can result in data loss. You’re also more likely to see unauthorized access to data.

Retail’s Unique Data Security Risks 

In addition to online stores, which can experience DDoS and other cyber attacks, retailers also operate physical stores, which leaves physical devices vulnerable too. They have many point-of-sale systems, security cameras, online storefronts, cash registers and many other places where data breaches can take place. 

Because the retail industry moves so quickly with inventory and pricing, retailers need multi-layered security. Edge environments’ unique vulnerabilities are better covered by a multi-layered security approach that covers numerous distributed devices and systems. If a single edge computing device is compromised, multi-layered security ensures that the vulnerability doesn’t spread throughout the whole network. 

Tips for Establishing Governance in Your Retail Edge Environment

 For a retailer to be successful with an edge computing environment, it’s imperative that the company establish clear security policies and procedures for all edge devices. Clear policies ensure consistent security measures across all devices, locations and teams. Here are some governance and risk management considerations for your Edge operations teams:

• Encryption
• Authentication
• Update and patching procedures
• Access control
• Incident response and management
• Vendor and other third-party risk management

By setting up a framework to clarify topics in the bullet list above, your teams will work better together. Your company can more easily remain compliant with regulations and facilitate monitoring and auditing. Retailers can also scale faster with this governance, as they know how to add more devices securely without risking data exposure.

Data Security Is Not Just for Compliance; It’s Also for Trust

Data security for retailers is important for legal and financial reasons, but it’s also important for building customer trust. Retailers have direct interactions with consumers, making it vital that customers have a good experience and know their information is safe. 

SUSE Edge is a secure solution that ensures compliance as well as customer protection for retail edge computing. SUSE Edge Suite helps retailers build trust by:

• Adhering to consumer protection, health and safety and data protection regulations like GDPR and PCI DSS
• Securing IT infrastructure against data breaches, malware, and phishing attacks with SUSE Security
• Monitoring compliance and mitigating operational risks
• Implementing robust measures to protect sensitive customer data

How To Address the Unique Data Security Challenges of Both Retail and Edge Computing

While retailers can benefit from the fast data processing of edge computing for personalizing interactions, tracking inventory and offering dynamic pricing, they can also face unique challenges for data safety. Keep your edge computing environment safe with platforms designed to help ensure data security in retail edge environments. 

SUSE Edge Suite is a comprehensive solution for addressing retail’s unique security challenges, achieving compliance and ensuring growth.

To learn more about data security in retail and see strategies to improve retail experiences with real-time processing, download our white paper.