RETAIL PENETRATION TESTING
Protect your customer data and business operations with CREST accredited penetration testing.
Trusted by leading organisations
Why retail cyber security is important
Safeguard retail data,
transactions, and customer
trust with expert security
The UK retail sector has been a primary target for cyber attacks, with 2024 research by the Centre for Economic Business and Research (CEBR) finding that more than a third (35%) of retailers fell victim to cyber attacks, data leaks or fraud. These attacks cost these businesses £11.3bn over 12 months, an increase of 37% since the previous year.
The retail sector processes high volumes of sensitive data, including Personally Identifiable Information (PII) about their customers and employees, as well as high value order details and payment transactions. Cyber security is a growing concern for consumers, who are increasingly turning to businesses with strong emphasis on trust, privacy and ethics. Protecting consumer privacy is no longer optional for brands who wish to maintain customer loyalty in a highly competitive market.
Top cyber security challenges
facing the UK retail sector
Secure payment systems,
platforms, and supply chains
in an evolving threat landscape
User experience is paramount
to retain customers
We all know that Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) and strong passwords protects user accounts from the most basic cyber attacks, but retailers struggle to implement these protections without losing customers to competitors with less hurdles. The lack of basic security measures frequently result in account breaches and fraud, which harms the reputation of the retailer and impacts their customers. Trying to find a balance between security and user experience is a minefield, therefore retailers need to work with a cyber security company that can help them navigate this dilemma.
Countless store networks
with limited resources
Retail businesses, particularly high street retailers with stores nationwide, have a large number of small networks containing building control systems, Point of Sale (POS) systems, inventory terminals, customer order points, and more. IT teams are responsible for carrying out repairs, diagnosis of problems and new installations, all to ensure stores can operate effectively to serve customers. Implementing and maintaining all of the necessary cyber security controls is yet another drain on time, resources and budget. This means regular audits and penetration testing is important to make sure all bases are being covered.
Growing use of applications,
integrations and supply chain
As online shopping continues to outpace in-store purchases year-on-year, retailers are investing heavily in their online shopping capabilities. There is a growing number of online stores, subscription-based delivery services, and third-party integrations like clothes sizing tools, configurators, payment processors and intelligent search. These applications often process customer information, such as names, addresses, contact information and personal preferences. It is important to ensure the security of these applications by rigorously testing and applying development and configuration best practices.
IT infrastructure modernisation
and legacy systems
Whilst start-up and growth stage retail companies are typically born in the cloud, established retail businesses are often burdened with legacy on-premise infrastructure which cannot easily be modernised. Some systems run legacy applications (such as inventory management), some have specific regional restrictions that limit changes, and sometimes business processes are dependant on particular applications that depend on certain system versions with no viable alternatives. These legacy systems pose a unique cyber security challenge, and must be approached with consideration and care.
Why retail penetration testing is a necessity
Stay ahead of threats
with retail-specific
pen testing
Retailers process vast quantities of sensitive information, which makes them a prime target for cyber attacks. The most common types of sensitive information processed by retailers includes customer personal information (such as names, addresses, and contact details), payment data (such as payment card details), loyalty programme information (such as user accounts, reward points and discount codes), order details and employee records. The majority of this data will be accessible through public web applications, APIs and 3rd party integrations.
Retail businesses often have a complex IT network, with many store locations that are accessible to the general public. These stores may have devices, such as tablets and computer systems, which can be used by customers and staff , building control systems (such as alarm systems, door access controls and CCTV), and Wi-Fi networks for staff and customers. Often these stores do not have dedicated or on-site IT support, relying on centralised management, policies and staff to adhere to cyber security best practices.
Rigorously testing all of these applications, networks and systems is important to reduce the likelihood of a successful cyber attack against the business, and to ensure controls are in place which isolate important systems and data from attackers in the event of a breach.
Why choose Sentrium for
retail penetration testing?
Retail-focused testing
from CREST-certified experts
who understand your risks
At Sentrium, we understand the unique challenges of retail security. With our deep expertise in retail penetration testing and advisory services, we help you identify and address weaknesses in retail systems before they are exploited.
Our approach to retail security goes beyond a typical penetration test. We have a deep understanding of your business challenges, and we are well positioned to advise on POS systems, e-commerce platforms, supply chain integrations and in-store technologies.
We recognise that the retail sector operates in a complex digital environment, and security breaches can have a major impact on your business. Our experienced team provide expert retail penetration testing and support to help you gain confidence, maintain compliance and build customer trust.
Our retail penetration testing services
CREST-certified assessments
ensuring your cyber security
Explore the core services we provide
for retail organisations:
Network penetration testing
Our network pentesting assesses your retail sector servers, equipment and user devices for vulnerabilities. These systems may store sensitive customer or financial data and be exposed to untrusted users.
Website penetration testing
Retail businesses rely on custom apps for online shopping, order points, loyalty schemes and back-office needs. Using OWASP methods, expert tools and years of experience, we deliver strong application security assurance.
Cloud penetration testing
Many retail sites, apps and systems use cloud for scalability and reach. Yet cloud platforms pose unique security risks, exposing sensitive customer, financial or operational data. We test cloud security to keep services safe.
Start protecting your
retail business today
Connect with our team of specialists to maintain compliance with industry regulations, build confidence and trust in your products, and protect your business from security breaches.