The essential cybersecurity checklist every retailer needs 

The holiday rush is here, bringing the busiest sales period of the year. While stores and websites buzz with activity, cyber threats rise alongside them. Industry research consistently shows elevated cyber and fraud activity during the peak shopping season, making this an ideal moment for retailers to review key safeguards.  

This checklist highlights practical steps that help maintain smooth operations and protect customer data during retail’s most critical weeks. 

1. Secure networks and connected devices

• Use WPA3 encryption for all wireless networks with strong, unique passwords. 

• Install firewalls between your networks and implement intrusion detection on critical systems. 

• Disable unnecessary services on routers, close unused ports, and keep firmware updated.  

• Monitor network traffic for unusual patterns or unauthorized access attempts.  

• Secure connected devices by keeping cameras, sensors, smart displays, and other IoT devices updated with the latest firmware patches.

2. Prepare for backup and ransomware threats

• Back up all POS data, customer information, inventory systems, and financial records daily.  

• Store backups offline or in immutable cloud storage that ransomware cannot encrypt or delete.  

• Test your data recovery process to confirm it works when you need it most.  

• Install anti-malware on all computers and enable automatic updates for virus definitions.  

• Reduce email risks by disabling macros in documents and training staff to verify sender identity. 

3. Protect payment systems and customer data

• Confirm PCI DSS compliance is current and address any outstanding assessments or scan requirements. 

• Enable end-to-end encryption on all payment terminals and use tokenization to protect stored card data.  

• Never store CVV codes or PINs and minimize retention of cardholder data to what’s operationally required.  

• Review POS systems to ensure automatic security patches are active, passwords are complex, and anti-tamper devices are installed.  

• Isolate payment terminals from guest Wi-Fi and office systems to limit exposure and reduce risk.  

4. Safeguard e-commerce and online operations

• Use HTTPS on your entire website with valid SSL certificates, especially on checkout and login pages.  

• Enable fraud detection with velocity checks, address verification, and automatic flags for suspicious orders.  

• Require strong customer passwords and offer optional multi-factor authentication for account logins.  

• Scan for website vulnerabilities and address critical issues immediately. 

• Update your privacy policy and ensure compliance with all privacy laws including GDPR and CCPA. 

5. Manage employee access and training

• Enable multi-factor authentication for email, admin accounts, and any system accessing customer data.  

• Create role-based access so employees only see data necessary for their position, whether a cashier, supervisor, or manager.  

• Provide security awareness training covering phishing, password security, and proper handling of customer data with specific guidance for front-line staff.  

• Disable accounts promptly when employees leave and review all user permissions regularly. 

• Monitor login activity for suspicious access patterns, failed login attempts, or unusual after hours access.  

Why this matters 

A strong security foundation helps retailers stay focused on what matters most this season: great customer experiences and smooth operations. By taking small, proactive steps now, teams can reduce risk and keep every store running reliably through the busiest shopping weeks. 

If you are looking for support in improving your security posture or strengthening your retail technology environment, One Source is here to help. Our team of experts work closely with retailers of all sizes to improve operational reliability, enhance visibility across locations, and reinforce security where it matters most.