The Changing Face of Retail

The retail sector is grappling with significant challenges as it adapts to the evolving “new normal” landscape. These challenges include increasing operational costs, shipping disruptions, staffing shortages, and fierce competition from online retailers. 

 Adding to this complexity is the critical role of IT. In an increasingly digital and interconnected world, IT demands attention as it presents both unique challenges and opportunities for retailers. 

As retail IT challenges persist, they can bring can continue to present hurdles, such as: 

1. Outdated Legacy Software: Many businesses still need to find a way to meet their needs. 
2. Cybersecurity Challenges: Security measures have struggled to keep pace with the growing threat of cyberattacks. 
3. Integration Issues: Poor integration across various business systems adds complexity and reduces productivity. 
4. Inefficient Processes: Inefficient re-ordering and supply fulfilment processes cost retailers time and money. 
5. Underutilised Data: Many retailers need help leveraging data to enhance customer loyalty effectively. 

The Transition from Reactivity to Proactivity

So, how can retailers shift from a reactive stance towards IT challenges to a proactive approach that embraces the latest IT opportunities?  

 Consider these seven top tips curated by us, for you: 

•  Simplify IT and Store Operations: Upgrade to an integrated retail IT system for easy operation and streamlined staff training. 
•  Enhance Customer Experience and Loyalty: Leverage customer data to provide targeted offers and campaigns that reward loyalty. 
•  Automate Store Operations: Implement an easy-to-use retail system linked to warehouse fulfilment software for multiple benefits. 

• Build a Strong, Secure Network in the Cloud: Outsource IT management to a managed service provider for a stronger, more secure network with added cloud-based protection. 
•  Empower Employee Productivity: Provide staff with modern and efficient IT tools to boost happiness and productivity. 
•  Enhance Security: Shift on-premises servers to the cloud to reduce data theft and cyber threat risks, ensuring the safety of staff, customers, and stores. 
•  Grow and Scale Sustainably: Adopt a managed service solution to scale IT and business needs up or down based on seasonal or operational requirements. 

A durable IT infrastructure is the cornerstone of any business’s success. It streamlines operations, safeguards sensitive data, facilitates growth, and elevates the customer experience. By prioritising your infrastructure, you’re not just adapting to the present but confidently embracing the future. 

 Adapting to the dynamic business environment can be challenging, but we’re here to help you succeed. Truis has been a trusted partner with Cisco in the retail industry for over a decade. Our mutual aim is to streamline and improve retail IT systems, making them more dependable and customer focused. With Cisco’s quality retail IT solutions and collaborative approach, we’re committed to supporting your business thriving in today’s ever-changing trading landscape. 

Dive deeper into our partnership with Cisco and discover our array of retail-focused solutions.
CLICK HERE to learn more about how we can enhance your business. 

Alternatively, if you’re eager to explore how we can assist you with site setup and offer customised IT solutions tailored to your unique requirements, don’t hesitate to reach out. 

Book a free consultation with one of our retail specialists today!
BOOK ME IN! 

 Contact Us: 

• Phone: 1800 777 111 
• Email: marketing@truis.com.au 
• Website: truis.com.au 

1. Gain control over your IT costs

Stop wasting money on unnecessary equipment and software. You’re a business owner; you can’t manage everything and that’s fair. Let the experts help with solving your IT problems as cost-effectively as possible.  With a range of trusted distributors and in-house experts, Truis have all the tools you need.  We can also wrap all your IT costs into a simple monthly bill so you can have a comprehensive overview of your expenditures and confidence in forecasting your IT spend for coming years. How is ICT viewed in your organisation? A cost or an enabler?

2. Let the experts take care of your IT security and managing risks.

Truis take IT security seriously, and for good reason: cyber attacks are on the rise. During the 2020-2021 financial year over 67,500 cybercrime reports were made via ReportCyber, an increase of nearly 13 percent from the previous financial year. One cybercrime report is made approximately every eight minutes in Australia. Managing security processes and policies on your own can be frustrating and time-consuming, but catastrophic if the ball is dropped. Truis have recovery strategies if a worst-case scenario occurs in your business, and a team of disaster prevention experts to avoid you ever needing to use one.

3. Free up your time to focus on what you’re best at

You know business. We know IT. Leave the tedious day-to-day IT tasks to us, and let you and your team get back to what’s important: growing your business. No one likes to get stuck on an IT issue and have nowhere to turn to. Let Truis take on those responsibilities and get your team the right answers when they need them. There’s no issue big or small!

Growth and supporting your customers are both paramount to the success of you and your business. But businesses always suffer growing pains when it comes to IT. New machines, servers, software and the knowledge and support to keep it all running. An IT partner can help you get there, help with the tough IT decisions, and look to the future as you grow your team and business.

5. Finding the right talent and IT fit

Hiring someone to manage your IT isn’t always as easy as it sounds. Keeping the talent and have them trained up in the right tech can be a pain, and the keys to your business’s IT isn’t a responsibility that should be handed out lightly. With a Managed Service Provider, you get industry-leading professionals with a career of supporting customers and technologies.  Truis’ technicians have depths of specialised knowledge and experience ready to get you the answers you need.  Don’t fuss with searching CVs for the right talent, let Truis find the expert for your fit.

Business Protection Perfected: Truis & Cisco keeping you protected from every angle.

Whether you’re running a medium-sized business, one thing is clear: your security measures need to be as flexible as your aspirations. In the ever-shifting business universe, security needs can be as multifaceted as a box of chocolates with countless flavours. From keeping your people and devices safe to fortifying your precious assets, having security solutions that can flex and expand alongside you is crucial.

Before we dive into the nitty-gritty of flexibility and holistic security, let’s start with three key questions:

• How can we enable your people?
• How can we enhance your workspaces?
• And how can you empower your IT management?

Considering these questions can benefit when exploring the best practices to protect your people, devices, and assets and what comprehensive security solution, like Cisco Meraki’s flexible cloud-led portfolio, will be fit for purpose to bring it all to life.

Adapting to Emerging Threats:

With 42% of cyberattacks aimed at SMBs, Cybersecurity demands businesses to stay one step ahead of the game. That’s where flexibility shines. By valuing flexibility, SMBs like you can quickly adapt their security measures to tackle emerging risks, reducing vulnerability to cyber-attacks and data breaches. As an SMB business, you need to be able to detect, alert, track, analyse, and solve advanced threats across networks, devices, email, and applications. Leveraging cloud-led solutions such as Cisco, Truis can deliver a holistic security solution that protects all your investments and initiatives across your business so you can withstand unpredictable threats or changes and emerge stronger.

Mitigating Physical Security Risks:

While cybersecurity often takes the spotlight, physical security is equally crucial for protecting your organisation. Here’s where flexibility makes a difference once again. By embracing flexibility, small and medium businesses can tailor their physical security measures to counteract changing circumstances. This might involve implementing access control systems, surveillance cameras, or adjusting security protocols in response to specific threats or incidents. With flexibility, you can tackle physical security risks in real-time, preventing unauthorised access and potential breaches.

Safeguarding Against Environmental Factors:

When coming at it as a holistic security approach, we can’t forget about environmental security. Flexibility, in this context, means adapting security measures based on environmental conditions. Whether it’s implementing backup power systems to combat power outages, deploying fire suppression systems, or integrating environmental monitoring technologies. Through the flexibility of a solution ecosystem like Cisco’s cloud-led portfolio, you can deliver holistic security solutions that include environmental safety technology, making for a safer, more secure company.

Enhancing Resilience and Recovery:

No security system is complete without addressing resilience and recovery. In the unfortunate event of a security incident or disaster, a holistic security approach empowers your SMB to bounce back quickly and minimise disruptions. By integrating cybersecurity, physical security, and environmental security as a triple threat into a cohesive strategy, you can effectively respond to incidents, restore systems, and mitigate potential damage.

Now it’s time for Three Truis Tactics to consider when embracing a holistic security strategy:

1. Assess the entire business landscape: Take the time to evaluate your overall security posture by analysing your digital infrastructure, physical premises, and potential environmental vulnerabilities. This helps identify weak points and prioritise security efforts. Once the assessment is complete, you can determine your cyber, physical, and environmental risks. Acknowledging these dangers enables the development of a targeted and effective security strategy.
2. Develop a comprehensive security plan: With a clear understanding of the risks, now is the time to make a solid plan of attack. This plan should incorporate cybersecurity measures, physical security measures, and environmental safety measures, ensuring a well-rounded and integrated approach. And with streamlined, cloud-based management and seamless integration with existing security infrastructure, you or your team can quickly deploy, monitor, and manage security solutions from anywhere. By leveraging cloud-based smart sensors and cameras, advanced threat detection, and zero-trust capabilities, the Cisco portfolio can offer your business industry-leading physical, environmental, and cyber security solutions at an affordable price.
3. Partner with experts: In our Truis travels, we see how the lack of resources and expertise to manage security in-house is weighing on IT teams; by working with IT security experts such as Truis, we can provide a comprehensive and proactive security service tailored to your SMB requirements. Truis can help you stay updated on the latest security threats and technologies, provide ongoing monitoring and support, and offer guidance in implementing and maintaining a holistic security approach. Whether you’re looking to enhance existing infrastructure or just taking the first step on your journey to the cloud, you can have best-in-class physical, environmental, and cyber security tools delivered by Truis. With solutions that adapt as your business grows, your employees can spend less time combatting security threats and more time showing impressive results.

Flexibility isn’t just a buzzword – it’s a critical aspect of SMB security. By embracing a holistic approach that values flexibility, businesses can proactively respond to emerging threats, adapt physical security measures, safeguard against environmental factors, and enhance resilience and recovery capabilities. So, let’s navigate the ever-changing landscape of SMB security together to empower you to reach new heights while keeping your business safe and secure.

DE&I isn’t a topic reserved for specific calendar-marked days.
It’s not a content theme we pick up and put down depending on what suits us.
And it’s not something that occurs on an ad hoc basis or even at recurring intervals.
At Truis, DE&I is a commitment we make, every day.
It’s simultaneously a part of our organisational fabric and something we actively choose to pursue.

In a previous Bluestone News article, we’ve unpacked the differences between diversity and inclusion, but in case you need a refresher on DE&I, here’s what it all means…

We all know that DE&I stands for diversity, equity, and inclusion – but let’s break down what each of these pillars represents.

• Diversity refers to the presence of differences, whether they are related to race, ethnicity, gender, age, orientation, physical or cognitive differences, or other factors. A diverse workplace is one that includes people with a variety of backgrounds and experiences.
• Equity is about ensuring fairness in all systems and processes. It means recognising that people have different needs and providing them with the resources and support necessary to achieve similar outcomes.
  For example, in a workplace, equity can mean ensuring equal pay for equal work or providing tailored professional development opportunities to help employees from underrepresented groups advance in their careers.
• Inclusion means creating an environment where everyone feels valued and respected, and where people can bring their whole selves to work or to their community. It involves actively seeking out and valuing diverse perspectives and experiences, and creating opportunities for everyone to contribute and participate fully.

Engaging all three pillars, DE&I is about recognising and addressing systemic inequalities and biases to create a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive society.

1. We’ve founded a committee to specifically focus on DE&I

DE&I is all of our responsibility. But in our experience, it helps to have a clearly identifiable group to oversee and lead all DE&I activities. Some key responsibilities of our DE&I committee are:

• • Creating initiatives to increase awareness and promote DE&I within our team.
  • Organising celebrations and recognition for various cultural and religious days of significance.
  • Identifying and addressing areas for improvement in policies and procedures, as relevant to DE&I.
  • Developing partnerships with peak DE&I organisations.
  • Create opportunities for further staff training and education.

While our committee leads a lot of our DE&I initiatives and activities, we’re constantly communicating the importance of DE&I to the broader team. Everyone is encouraged to contribute their suggestions and ideas around how we can make Truis more diverse, inclusive, and equitable.

2. We’ve instituted a flexible working policy

Because we understand that every individual has diverse needs and responsibilities, we’ve developed a flexible working policy to help every person thrive. We believe that giving people the flexibility to choose how and when they work is a game-changer when it comes to levelling the playing field.

Flexible working can be especially helpful in encouraging caregivers, people with disability, or people who are neurodiverse to participate in the workforce.

Being upfront about our flexible work policies in the hiring process has also helped us attract and retain employees who have different needs and responsibilities – leading to a more diverse Truis team.

3. We embrace the events that matter to our people

We keep our organisation-wide calendar up to date with the events and dates that are significant to our team members. These dates of significance can mark a cultural event or a religious celebration – what matters is that these days are important to our team members.

By recognising these dates on a company scale, we create an opportunity for education, connection, and most importantly, we foster a workplace culture that feels welcoming and inclusive for all.

4. We’re stronger through partnerships

We’ll be the first to admit that we don’t know everything. That’s why we’ve partnered with a number of bodies who we can work alongside to make Truis a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive place for all.

We are proud to be a corporate partner of Choice Passion Life (CPL), an organisation committed to empowering people with disability and creating a more inclusive world. CPL engages our team with regular disability awareness training sessions.

We’re also a proud partner of Diversity Council of Australian and the HP Amplify Impact program – two organisations who are committed to amplifying DE&I across organisations of all sizes.

5. We’re constantly speaking with our team

We’ve made it a priority to continually understand the issues and concerns that are important to our team. We engage our broader team directly and take the time to research and understand emerging areas of concern through demographic and psychographic research and insights.

DE&I is an ongoing commitment, and as Truis evolves, how we honour this commitment will evolve too.

If this article has sparked inspiration for DE&I initiatives you can put to work in your organisation – let us know. We’d love to hear from you.

Right now, it feels like everywhere you look, you’ll see reports of cybercrime – a data breach, a ransomware attack, a story about how one pesky piece of ransomware has brought a national organisation to a standstill.

There’s no doubt about it – cybercrime is trending upward in Australia. In the 2021-2022 financial year alone, cybercrime reports shot up by 13%.

Australian not-for-profit organisations have been one of the sectors hit the hardest by the upswing of cyber threats and data breaches.

Some of the most shocking incidents in recent years have been the Australian Red Cross data breach of 2020, which resulted in the theft of 1.3 million records; the Royal Flying Doctor Service of Australia (RFDS) data breach of 2021, which exposed personal data belonging to its donors; and the 2022 cyber attack targeting The Smith Family, in which hackers set out to steal funds from the charity, taking donors’ personal data in the process.

NFPs aren’t the only organisations suffering at the hands of cybercriminals. Year after year, the healthcare sector is the industry targeted most by cybercrime.

With the shock of the Medibank breach still raw in our minds, Sydney-based cancer care centre, Crown Princess Mary, has been the victim of a ransomware attack, perpetrated by the Oceania-operating cyber criminal group known as Medusa.

These incidents are unsettling for anyone to think about, especially those working in the NFP and healthcare spaces.

Common cybersecurity mistakes (and how we can help):

1. The mistake: Not being aware of legislative changes
To properly protect your business, your team, and your customers from cyber threats, it’s important to stay up to date with any legislative changes that might affect you. An example of one of these legislative changes is 2021’s adjustments to the Privacy Act and Australian Privacy Principles (APPs), which brought in new sets of obligations that qualifying NFPs must meet.

How we can help:
As your partner, our team has their finger on the pulse of any changes that could impact you. With IT partners in all places across all sectors, we’re always in the loop with any changes that may be coming down the pipeline.

2. The mistake: Not having a last line of defence
Proper security means being prepared for the worst case scenario. Without an effective disaster recovery system, you have a slim chance of recovering quickly or cheaply, should your data be breached.

How we can help:
Our Disaster Recovery-as-a-Service is the ultimate last line of defence. With this service, our team of experienced engineers and consultants will be present on-site to ensure that proper protocols are followed, and that your data remains accessible in case of an emergency.

3. The mistake: Not evolving your security measures and policies
The digital world moves fast. To keep your organisation as safe and secure as possible, it’s crucial that you update your procedures and practices frequently.

How we can help:
This issue typically stems from smaller teams becoming overloaded with all the BAU IT duties. And this is where Truis’ strength in security really comes in handy. Our Security Operations Centre offers managed security services to take care of as little or as much of the day-to-day operations as you need – so you can focus on the more pressing tasks.

4. The mistake: Not running regular backups
You’d be surprised how often data backups fall to the bottom of the priority list. The problem with this is that without regular backups, the risks posed by data loss become even more severe.

How we can help:
We’re proud to support many of our clients with Backup-as-a-Service arrangements. We keep all backups stored safely and securely on the cloud, taking the hassle of daily backups off their plates.

As an NFP organisation, you may feel overwhelmed by the ever-evolving nature of cybersecurity risks and the limited resources you have to manage them with.

However, there’s plenty you can do to stay safe in these times.

Strong internal IT policies, up-to-date staff training, and keeping your data protected and backed up are just some of the ways you can protect yourself. And if you need a partner to help you through, we’re here to help. With our range of cybersecurity services and depth of expertise, you can feel confident that you’re safe, secure, and ready to defend against whatever might come your way.

It’s no secret the IT industry has been experiencing a skills shortage in recent years. The demand for skilled IT professionals has been growing rapidly, driven by digital transformation initiatives, increased reliance on technology, and emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, cloud computing, and data analytics. However, the supply of qualified IT talent has not kept pace with this demand, resulting in a skills gap. 

Some of the major roles in the IT industry that have been impacted by the skills shortage are: 

1. Software Developers and Engineers 
2. Cybersecurity Specialists 
3. Data Scientists and Analysts 
4. Cloud Architects and Engineers 
5. Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning Specialists 
6. IT Project Managers 
7. Network Engineers 
8. IT Support and Helpdesk Professionals 

The shortage of IT skills can have several impacts on businesses, some of the key impacts include: 

1. Security and compliance risks: Skilled IT professionals play a critical role in managing cybersecurity and data protection measures. The shortage of IT skills can leave businesses more vulnerable to security breaches, data leaks, and non-compliance with regulatory requirements. Inadequate security measures can lead to financial losses, reputational damage, and legal repercussions.
2. Delayed or compromised projects: The shortage of IT skills can result in delays or compromises in project execution. When businesses struggle to find qualified professionals, project timelines may be extended, impacting time-to-market, customer satisfaction, and overall business competitiveness. 
3. Impact on innovation and competitiveness: IT skills are crucial for driving innovation and maintaining competitiveness in today’s digital landscape. The shortage of IT talent can hinder a business’s ability to adopt emerging technologies, implement new strategies, and leverage data-driven insights. This can impede innovation and put businesses at a disadvantage compared to competitors. 
4. Increased labour costs: The demand for IT talent often exceeds supply, leading to increased competition for skilled professionals. Businesses may need to offer higher salaries and attractive benefits to attract and retain qualified IT staff. This can increase labour costs and put pressure on budgets, particularly for small and medium-sized businesses. 
5. Increased workload and burnout: When there is a shortage of IT skills, existing IT staff may be burdened with additional workloads and responsibilities. This can lead to increased stress, burnout, and decreased productivity among the IT workforce. Overworked employees may also be more susceptible to making errors or experiencing reduced job satisfaction. 
6. Difficulty in adopting new technologies: Adopting new technologies requires skilled professionals who can effectively implement and manage them. The shortage of IT skills can hinder businesses’ ability to adopt and integrate transformative technologies, impacting their ability to optimize operations, improve efficiency, and deliver enhanced customer experiences.  
7. Difficulty in recruiting qualified talent: The shortage of IT skills makes it challenging for businesses to find and recruit qualified IT professionals. This can result in longer hiring processes, increased competition among employers, and potentially settling for candidates who may not fully meet the required skill level. 

There have been concerted efforts made to address the skills shortage; governments, educational institutions, and industry bodies are actively working to promote STEM education, upskill existing IT professionals, attract international talent, and facilitate industry collaboration. These initiatives aim to build a sustainable pipeline of skilled IT professionals in the long run, but it will take time for their impact to be fully realised. Here are some things you can focus on to lessen the impact of a skills shortage. 

1. Retention and upskilling of existing staff: Focusing on the retention of current IT staff is crucial. Offer competitive salaries, benefits, and career development opportunities to keep existing employees engaged and motivated. Invest in upskilling programs to enhance their skills and knowledge, enabling them to take on new responsibilities and fill skill gaps internally. 
2. Collaboration with educational institutions: Partner with universities, colleges, and vocational training institutions to develop programs that align with industry needs. Provide input on curriculum development, offer internships, apprenticeships, or work-study programs to bridge the gap between education and industry requirements. 
3. Engagement with industry associations and networks: Engage with industry associations and professional networks to connect with skilled professionals. Attend industry events, job fairs, and conferences to network and build relationships with potential candidates. Participate in mentorship programs to nurture talent and attract aspiring IT professionals. 
4. Flexible work arrangements: Offer flexible work arrangements, such as remote work options, flexible hours, or compressed workweeks. This can help attract and retain IT professionals who value work-life balance and flexibility. 
5. Collaboration with managed service providers (MSPs) and outsourcing: Partner with managed service providers or outsource certain IT functions to leverage their expertise and resources. MSPs can help bridge skill gaps and provide specialised support in areas such as cybersecurity, cloud management, or software development. 
6. Continuous professional development: Support employees’ ongoing professional development by providing opportunities for training, certifications, and attending conferences or workshops. Encourage them to stay updated with the latest industry trends and technologies, fostering a culture of continuous learning. 
7. Emphasise company culture and values: Promote a positive work culture that values employee well-being, growth, and diversity. Create an inclusive and supportive environment where employees feel valued and empowered. A positive company culture can help attract and retain top talent. 
8. Talent pipeline development: Engage in long-term talent pipeline development initiatives. Collaborate with educational institutions at the secondary and tertiary levels to promote STEM education and inspire young students to pursue IT careers. Offer internships or apprenticeships to provide hands-on experience and nurture future IT professionals. 
9. Strategic workforce planning: Conduct strategic workforce planning to identify current and future skill needs. This can help businesses proactively address skill gaps, plan for succession, and allocate resources effectively. 

I hope there is something here that is helpful to you. I have certainly learned over the years that business is a lot more fun when you are surrounded by good people. It’s up to us to look after them, then we all succeed: our people, our customers and our suppliers. 

Picture this: you wake up to find that a malicious program has encrypted all your data, making them completely unusable. Your heart races as a message pops up on your screen, demanding payment in exchange for the decryption key. 

It’s a nightmare scenario becoming all too common in Australia, where ransomware has become one of the most significant and destructive cyber threats. So it is no surprise that ransomware has emerged as one of the most significant cyber threats in the digital age. 

The Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC) recently published its Annual Cyber Threat Report 21-22, stating that ransomware was the most destructive cybercrime threat that had impacted all sectors of the Australian economy.

Want to know the secret to avoiding a digital nightmare? Sit back and read on. 

How to Stay One Step Ahead

Ransomware is among the most insidious cyber threats facing individuals and businesses alike. But here’s the kicker: the ransomware business model is changing, and it’s not just about encrypting your data anymore. Cybercriminals are threatening to release sensitive information to the public, causing untold damage to a business’s reputation, brand, and bottom line. It’s a terrifying prospect, but there are ways to protect yourself.  

The question we think is important to ask is, are you prepared for a ransomware attack? It’s not a matter of if, but when, and the best way to protect your business is to be ready. 

The ACSC is urging all businesses to take steps to safeguard themselves against ransomware attacks and has provided a checklist to assist companies in staying one step ahead: 

1. 1. Set up and perform regular backups to an external storage device or the cloud.
   2. Regularly update your devices and systems to patch security vulnerabilities.
   3. Install anti-virus software and turn on ransomware protection.
   4. Secure your accounts by turning on multi-factor authentication and using access controls.
   5. Be careful opening or downloading unexpected files.
   6. Secure your servers and minimise your network’s external facing footprint.
   7. Use our Ransomware Backup and Response Register to identify your critical data and prepare an emergency plan.

We Asked the Experts

At Truis, we know first-hand from working alongside our customers that protecting your digital devices from cyber threats is not a one-time task but a continuous process. So, we sat down with our Truis Technical experts, Network Engineer Nikko Catacutan and Systems Engineer Braithe Hollett, to gather their insights and expert advice on all things cyber security. 

Here is what the team had to share: 

What are your thoughts on regularly updating your devices and systems to patch security vulnerabilities?

Regular patching of devices and systems is highly recommended at a personal and business level. New vulnerabilities in your system need to be remediated by applying regular updates and fixes, and by building a habit of routine patches, the attack surface is reduced.  

What do you think about the importance of installing anti-virus software and activating ransomware protection? 

Installing and running some anti-virus in your system is always best practice. However, traditional scanning that relies on signature-based traffic is not enough today. Signature scanning heavily relies on known threats with identifiable information. New-generation attacks like ransomware are more than signature-based; they can create different versions of malware with new signatures for each breach resulting in a zero-day threat. Businesses need to be running an anti-virus system with machine learning capability to prevent next-generation attacks involving various techniques, tactics, and procedures like a zero-day. In addition, the ability to remediate and respond to a situation is a must-have capability of next-generation anti-virus.  

What are your views on implementing user access controls and enabling multi-factor authentication? 

Adding an extra layer of verification, such as a Multi-factor, results in an added level of security. As for user access control, the principle of lease privileged access should be implemented within any organisation. Implementing these controls makes it harder for an attacker to gain a foothold or elevate privileges. 

We also would stress the importance of regular backups in today’s ecosystem. Backups can take various forms, including air-gapped, virtualised, or cloud measures. At Truis, we recommend a hybrid approach due to the risk of cyber-attacks. Truis believe having an emergency plan is critical in worst-case scenarios, and we can assist you in building a recovery plan and response register.

We’re Here to Help

Nikko, Braithe and the entire team at Truis understand that navigating the digital world can be overwhelming, but that’s why we’re here to help support and provide expert guidance. 

Our team of specialists is here to provide you with the support you need to navigate the ever-evolving threats and implement the latest industry-leading practices in line with the ACSC recommendations we have shared above.

We’re dedicated to making cybersecurity approachable and hassle-free, so you can focus on what you do best – growing your business.

Ready to take the next step? Find out more about a path to prevention in our guide to security services.
Grab your copy here

Join us in the fight against cybercrime and protect what matters most!

After More?

For more information on protecting your essential data and responding to ransomware, read the ACSC’s easy-to-follow resources here on their ransomware page. 

Also, if you suspect you have been a victim of a ransomware attack, check out the ACSC  “Have you been hacked?” tool, which is designed to help potential victims assess if they’ve been attacked and provide guidance on how to respond.

When eCommerce was beginning to pick up momentum in the 1990s, there was some concern that the rise of online buying would mean the extinction of in-person shopping experiences.

However, a look at the present-day retail landscape tells a very different story.

Rather than cause the decline of in-person shopping experiences, today’s retailers are using IT as a tool to enhance them.

At Truis, we’ve worked alongside some of Australia’s top retailers to equip them with IT solutions that support their growth strategy.

Both retail and IT are fast-moving industries, but when it comes to using IT to enhance the in-store experience, there’s a few things we don’t foresee going away, any time soon.

So here they are, some of the top ways retailers are using tech to make the in-store experience even better:

1. POS systems

Over the last few years, point-of-sale (POS) systems have come leaps and bounds. Now, self-serve POS systems have become the new normal for plenty of big retailers. Hand-held POS systems, which allow employees to process transactions from anywhere in the store, have also become more popular. These new models help to reduce checkout queues and deliver faster, more efficient service to customers.

2. Digital signage

Digital signage has changed the way we shop in-store. Not only is it a compelling way to deliver messages to customers, but new-age digital signage can also leverage interactivity to deliver more personalised shopping experiences. For example, touch screen signage systems can be a powerful tool to help customers with everything from navigating around the store, to placing a purchase order.

3. In-store analytics

Some retailers are using analytics tools to monitor customer behaviour and preferences in their stores. This data can be used to improve store layout, product placement, and other aspects of the in-store experience.

4. Virtual try-on

Augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) technology isn’t just for eCommerce. Plenty of retailers have already brought this technology into their physical stores to enhance their customers’ in-store experience. One of the most prevalent ways retailers are doing this is by using these technologies to allow customers to try on clothes and accessories virtually.

5. Smart in-store security

Smart in-store security helps retailers safeguard their stores against theft and other security breaches. Using AI, machine learning (ML), and computer vision, smart security systems can detect suspicious behaviour and alert your retail staff in real time.

Better yet, modern IT platforms can connect smart security, network, and wifi, to empower retailers with a secure, unified, and fully integrated experience across various sites.

6. Beacons

Beacons are small, wireless devices that use Bluetooth technology to send signals to smartphones and other mobile devices. In physical retail stores, beacons are often used to provide location-based services and more personalised customer experiences.

Some of the most popular ways retailers are leveraging beacons is by using them to carry out proximity marketing strategies, where shoppers are sent personalised messages based on where they are in the store; and indoor navigation, which directs customers to the specific item or aisle they’re searching for.

These are just a few examples of the thousands of ways technology can be used to transform the in-store shopping experience.

And at the centre of every new in-store IT development is the same overarching goal: Make the shopping experience better for people.

Considering that people-first IT is the heart and soul of Truis, it makes perfect sense that building seamless in-store customer experiences has become one of our top specialties.

From upgrading your IoT devices, to bringing in self-service POS, to a top-to-bottom in-store evolution across multiple sites – our team of retail specialists know exactly what it takes to deliver an in-store experience that knocks it out of the park.

To learn more about how we can help your IT solutions, book a free consultation with one of our team members – we’d love to hear from you.

In recent years, IT trends like AI, omnichannel marketing, and eCommerce have exploded onto the scene. And with new technology and ways of using technology, come new cyber threats.

The retail industry, in particular, is a prime target for cyber attacks. This is due to the massive amount of customer data collected, processed, and stored by retail businesses.

Here’s some of the key types of cyber threats all retailers should be alert to:

1. Point-of-Sale (POS) attacks

POS systems can be targeted by hackers looking to steal payment card data. Malware can be installed on these systems to capture customers’ card information.

2. Phishing and social engineering attacks

Retail employees are often the targets of phishing emails or social engineering attacks orchestrated to trick them into sharing login details or other sensitive information.

3. Third-party vendor risks

Many retailers rely on third-party vendors for various services, such as payment processing, inventory management, and website hosting. However, these suppliers can also pose a risk if they have weak security practices that can be exploited by hackers.

4. Internal risks

Team members with access to sensitive information such as business login credentials can pose a risk if the proper cybersecurity measures aren’t taken (such as 2-factor authentication). Without the right security processes in place, something as small and unintentional as a lost employee laptop can have devastating effects on retailers.

5. Ransomware attacks

Retailers are also at risk of ransomware attacks, which can result in the encryption of sensitive data and demands for payment in exchange for the decryption key.

6. eCommerce attacks

There are a number of schemes designed specifically to exploit weaknesses in eCommerce store systems. New types of eCommerce cyber attacks are emerging all the time, but some of the most well-known ones include:

• Cross-site scripting, which involves hackers inserting a section of malicious code into your website to expose your site visitors to malware, phishing, or other attacks.
• SQL injection, which targets eCommerce sites that improperly store data in a SQL database. This scheme is designed to take advantage of the vulnerable database to access and manipulate stored information.
• E-skimming, a cyber crime that involves hackers gaining access to your site and stealing customers’ payment information in real-time, as they make purchases.

The pandemic forced the retail industry to embrace digital technology, but it also had a massive influence on consumer behaviour. Now, retailers are increasingly embracing digital technology – not because they have to, but because they know how hungry their customers are for digital shopping experiences.

To give you the first-mover advantage, we’ve pulled together eight emerging IT trends we expect to see a lot more of in the coming years.

1. The eCommerce accelerator

The convenience of online shopping continues to appeal, and eCommerce demand requires a strong network and proactive security measures. IT must ensure privacy and data protection, while supporting customer-centric experiences.

2. Modern marketing

Technology-enabled personalization is powerful, but it can expose a business to security threats. IT and marketing teams must collaborate, with IT running audits of marketing tools and taking a big-picture view of the business’s tech needs.

3. Client-facing goes digital

Nearly 60% of retailers have digitised their client-facing operations, with IT supporting digitisation of customer service, operations, warehousing, and supply chain. This can mean providing online tools to support, embracing e-invoicing and payments, or creating transparency with effective tech for project management.

4. Getting analytical

Technology can harness big data to personalise the shopper experience and prepare for the retail landscape of the future. IT must provide guidance on capacity planning, data security, and data storage to establish a robust approach to data management.

7. Blockchain technology

Blockchain can track and trace products, record transactions, and add value across the entire supply chain. This can give customers the benefits of better prices, increased trust, and higher quality products. IT teams will play a key role  in building, operating, overseeing, and growing blockchain solutions.

8. Mindful consumers

Consumers are increasingly conscious of what they buy and who they buy from. Now, customers expect retailers to prioritise environmental, social, and governance responsibilities. Retailers can use technology to monitor and improve supply chain sustainability, and IT must support this through data management and analysis.