Introducing March Networks CloudSight: The Industry's First Camera-to-Cloud Solution with Real-Time AI Analytics and Business Intelligence

A simple, flexible, cloud solution for small and medium-sized businesses

Long Beach, USA (June 4, 2024) -- March Networks®, a global leader in intelligent video solutions, announced today the launch of a new subscription-based video solution called March Networks CloudSight. The cloud-based service is tailored to small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) and quick service restaurants (QSRs). March Networks CloudSight delivers a seamless direct camera-to-cloud video experience and is fully integrated and operational with Searchlight Cloud, the company's advanced AI-based data analytics and business intelligence platform. By combining the insights generated from AI-based video analytics and data from other sources such as POS systems and other IoT devices, business operators can now get a complete view of their operations, for both enhanced security and strategic decision-making.

Read more in the Vendor Spotlight column below
 

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At NRF Protect 2024 This Week?

Visit These D&D Daily Partners!

June 4-6 in Long Beach, CA
 

D&D Daily Partner	Booth Number		D&D Daily Partner	Booth Number
	1229			941
	1529			1515
	629			1542
	1029			1614
	1327			929
	1237			1037
	1421			1436
	831			1427
	947			1621
	1628			837
	1227			1213
Click here for full list of NRF exhibitors

Tackling the Retail Crime Epidemic Requires a 'Multi-Faceted Approach'
Four steps to overcoming the retail crime epidemic
According to the British Retail Consortium's Crime Survey 2024 Report, the cost of theft doubled to £1.8bn during 2022/23 with over 45,000 incidents a day. The toll on retail workers is huge; there's been a 50% rise in levels of retail violence and abuse.

1. Stop referring to 'shoplifting' - it's crime

Ask someone to explain what is meant by retail crime and in most cases they'll use the term 'shoplifting'. This terminology plays down what is essentially a theft, fraud or robbery. The perpetrator shouldn't be referred to as a shoplifter. They are criminals, plain and simple.

2. Recognise the important role retail plays within the community

A community-based approach is most effective in fighting retail crime. At Mitie, this means sharing intelligence on offenders and offending between partners like Sainsbury's, M&S and Co-op, with whom we have a data sharing agreement. We're creating a partnership that tackles crime against these businesses. We make sure there's a cohesive strategy to protect shops, places and the public.

3. Work in partnership to fight crime

There is no one-size-fits-all method. Effective solutions are multi-faceted and require open and honest dialogue between all parties, with clear accountability around who is responsible for what. Preventing crime is a team effort and we need to recognise the challenges we all face, plus the opportunities that a clearly defined partnership provides.

4. Use technology, data and intelligence to fight retail crime

Organisations that are part of a crime reduction network can then take preventative steps to make sure no crime is committed. Mitie's SOC remotely monitors 3,000 locations and we have expert crime intelligence teams assessing and analysing national data. We have the ability to produce quality evidence that the Police uses to build a case - hopefully leading to a successful prosecution. mitie.com


Theft Has Retailers Running from Self-Checkout Despite Growing Use
Retailers are continuing to pull back on self-checkout

More retailers like Safeway and Dollar General are rethinking their self-checkout strategies.

Bay Area news station KTVU reported this week that a few Safeway locations closed down self-checkout. A spokesperson told the station that the lanes would be removed due to increasing theft. The move follows retailers like Target's decision earlier this year to limit self-checkout lanes. Kroger reportedly went back to having cashier-staffed lanes at a Dallas store in late January after experimenting with a self-checkout-only setup.

Dollar General originally announced plans to pull back on self-checkout in March. Last week, CEO Todd Vasos said in an earnings call that the company will now eliminate self-checkout in "the vast majority" of its 18,000+ stores. So far, it has eliminated self-checkout from 12,000 stores.

Such decisions from Safeway and Dollar General show that when it comes to self-checkout, one size doesn't fit all. Checkout and inventory experts said the best practice for most stores is to offer options at the same locations. At this point, many shoppers expect to see self-checkout after getting used to the contact-free method during the onset of the coronavirus pandemic; a survey from the Food Industry Association found that 30% of transactions were made on self-checkout in 2021, almost double from 2018. Still, retailers are clearly recalibrating their approaches to self-checkout.

Jessica Grisolia, director of retail industry solutions at scanning software company Scandit, told Modern Retail that retailers must constantly reassess their store environments to make sure they are delivering the right experience. Store layout can be a key factor when it comes to deterring theft, she said. But eliminating self-checkout altogether runs the risk of upsetting customers who've come to expect it.

For stores that do pull away from self-checkout, the retailer will have to ensure the customer experience remains positive.  modernretail.co


NYC Robbery Crews Using Mopeds, Scooters & 'Ghost Cars
Shooting of 2 NYPD cops sharpens focus on robbery crews using mopeds and scooters

It's become standard practice among New York City criminals - using illegal scooters, mopeds and ghost cars to commit crimes and quickly escape.

Early Monday, the growing problem came into sharper focus when a 19-year-old Venezuelan migrant rode his scooter the wrong way down a one-way street in Elmhurst, sparking a gunfight that ended with two NYPD cops wounded.

Raul Castro is suspected of taking part in several robbery patterns, NYPD Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny said. But Castro Mata is from the only suspect being eyed for multiple crimes.

"Just to paint you a quick picture of how many of these crimes are being committed: Jan. to June 2022, zero robbery patterns involving motorized scooters or motorcycles," Kenny said. "The same time period (in) 2023, 20 robbery patterns. Year to date so far this year...we have over 80 robbery patterns citywide involving incidents where the perpetrators are riding motorized scooters or motorcycles."

The crimes vary, Kenny said, from gang retaliation shootings to organized theft rings but in many cases the suspects try to avoid detection by using stolen mopeds, scooters or motorcycles.

It wasn't immediately clear if Mata is part of a larger crew of migrants, Kenny said, as was the case with Victor Parra, who in February was identified as the leader of a Bronx-based ring that employed thieves who used stolen mopeds and motorcycles to rob cell phones from unsuspecting victims and peddled their ill-gotten gains in Florida and South America.  nydailynews.com


Smash & Grab Surge Forces More Oakland Stores to Close
7-Eleven closes 2 Oakland stores as smash-and-grab attacks continue
7-Eleven shuttered two Oakland stores on April 30, according to a source close to the company. Workers removed the corporate logos and boarded up storefronts at 4720 MacArthur Boulevard and 324 23rd Avenue. The source told CBS News Bay Area the closures were because of ongoing area crime.

As for the remaining 7-Eleven stores, managers said they were dealing with repeated robberies and burglaries. According to the source, the two Oakland stores that closed down are corporate-owned. The remaining 7-Elevens in the city are run by independent franchise owners.

Manager Gautam Kumar said it's the third burglary at that Piedmont Avenue store in five months. "It's really tough to run a business these days. Most of the insurance companies, they're running out," Kumar said.

Investigators say there's a big demand for cigarettes on the black market. The Piedmont Avenue 7-Eleven is not alone. CBS News Bay Area reported on previous robberies at other Oakland 7-eleven stores where gunmen held up employees and security guards to rob cartons of cigarettes.

"I hope these businesses stay but we're starting to see businesses decide 'well, it's just not worth it, we're going to go to another city,'" said customer Kris Vann.

"Then the neighborhood starts really going down (after the businesses closed). Trash, all kind of stuff. And then, what happens? We have to go farther out just to get little things," said customer Terry White. "My heart goes out to the business owners and I know it's very frustrating and I know you want to throw in the towel. But I'm asking you, just like a whole lot of consumers, just hang on a little longer."  cbsnews.com


'Constant Shoplifting' Forces Another Store Closure
Popular retailer closing doors for good over string of violent crime as gun-wielding robber caught on cam storming store
A shoe and apparel store is shutting down after it was robbed multiple times in a string of violent crimes that were caught on camera. Last week, Kulture Kingz was the victim of a broad-day robbery that saw the business lose over $20,000 in a matter of minutes.

Following this last robbery at gunpoint, the store has decided to close its doors for good. That is until they can find a new location, or at least they're hoping. Thompson blames this recent situation, the October incident, and other issues like constant shoplifting as to why they're closing and hoping to move. the-sun.com

Theft Hitting Nordstrom's Supply Chain
Nordstrom elevates supply chain exec amid shrink woes

After reporting that theft in its supply and transportation networks hurt Q1 margins, the retailer promoted Alexis DePree to chief operating officer.

Nordstrom has promoted Alexis DePree to chief operating officer, the department store announced on Friday. DePree joined Nordstrom four years ago as executive vice president and chief supply chain officer, after stints at Amazon and Target.

The announcement comes the same day that Nordstrom reported levels of theft in its transportation network and supply chain that drove a 225 basis-point hit to gross margins.

Evercore ISI analysts led by Michael Binetti flagged the problem, warning that "there is little room for error on margins" and warned that the shrink-related risk could continue.

Nordstrom said that DePree has overseen "meaningful progress in several different areas: we've strengthened our supply chain network, dramatically improved our speed to customer, and reduced costs."

Ongoing priorities include leveraging RFID tech and improving operational efficiency and consistency, the company also said. retaildive.com


Shoppers vs. Stores Over Anti-Theft Measures
Customers rage over locked up items as CVS exec admits it's a 'last resort'
Philadelphia, Pennslyvania customers are reaching their limit with physical storefronts and opting for online marketplaces after contending with rampant anti-theft measures. Retailers use a variety of methods to reduce shoplifting, ranging from security tags to cameras and even AI-run sensors. These customers are griping about one security measure in particular, the locking up of high-demand items.

More recently, as retailers continue to report unsettling amounts of theft, items being locked up have become cheaper. CVS spokesperson Amy Thibault explained that the company implements these anti-theft measures on a store-by-store basis. He went on to explain that the method of locking up products is the last to be used.

While customers can recognize the need for anti-theft measures, many are growing tired of the locking-up method being used so liberally. "I recognize there is a reason why those things have been put in place, but it just makes me not want to patronize that store," one shopper told the Telegraph Herald.

In-person retailers are already fighting against online markets and these extreme anti-theft measures are only "making it harder for themselves."  the-sun.com


Chicago Official Wants to Stop Sharing Crime Alerts
Progressive leader to stop sharing crime alerts with constituents because they create bad 'perception'
A Chicago alderwoman will no longer post crime alerts on social media or send alerts to her constituents unless they specifically opt in for the notifications, saying the over-reporting of crime leads to an inaccurate public perception.

The announcement by Alderwoman Leni Manaa-Hoppenworth came as robberies and sex crimes are at their highest levels in years while thefts and robberies are also up.

In a blog post, Manaa-Hoppenworth, who represents the city's 48th Ward, said only subscribers to her newsletter who have opted in to receive crime alerts will receive them. The decision was based on feedback from the community and her "commitment to our values of empowerment, antiracism, and community," she said.

"Research also shows us that over-reporting of crime negatively impacts our most marginalized and underserved neighbors," the post states. Crime in Chicago remains a top issue. Robberies, car thefts, aggravated battery and burglaries have all increased, according to Chicago Police crime data through May 26. foxnews.com


In 2023, DC had the biggest violent crime spike in the nation. Now, it's down 26%.

Police padlock Nashville market for 'disrupting quality of life' following history of crime
 

AP & Cybersecurity Leaders Recognized TOMORROW at NRF PROTECT
NRF to Honor Asset Protection and Cybersecurity Professionals

WASHINGTON - The National Retail Federation recently announced the recipients of the 2024 NRF PROTECT Awards, the highest asset protection and cybersecurity recognitions in the retail industry. Five veteran loss prevention professionals will be honored on June 5 during the annual NRF PROTECT conference in Long Beach, Calif.

The Ring of Excellence Award honors distinguished professionals who have impacted the loss prevention industry throughout their careers. The 2024 recipients are:

	Gary Johnson, a leader in loss prevention for more than 40 years. Johnson retired as Director of Asset Protection & Safety for Guitar Center Inc., overseeing 600 stores nationwide, and has held leadership positions with The Vitamin Shoppe, A&P Supermarkets, Barnes & Noble and Osco Drug Stores. He served two terms as Chair of the NRF Loss Prevention Advisory Council and was a founding member of the Loss Prevention Research Council.
	Mike Lamb, LPC, an industry expert with more than four decades of experience in asset protection, loss prevention and safety. Lamb retired from his role as Vice President of Asset Protection & Safety with the Kroger Company in February 2024 and previously served in leadership roles with Walmart U.S. and The Home Depot. Lamb remains active in the LP/AP industry, serving as a member of the Executive Committee for the LP Foundation, senior advisor for Innovate LPRC and board member of Good2Go, as well as other key affiliations.
	Walter Palmer, an industry expert in loss prevention and a leader throughout his career as a practitioner, consultant and industry partner. Palmer continues to provide strategic guidance and insights to many of the world's leading retail brands. He is one of the co-founders of LP Magazine, has served the industry across many boards and associations, and has been involved with NRF's loss prevention conference for more than 30 years.
	John Velke, a practitioner who began his retail loss prevention career in 1977 at Lord & Taylor. Velke's career includes roles with Fred Meyer, Parisian, Proffitt's and McRae's stores, before retiring in 2022 from Total Wine & More. For more than 40 years he has advocated for the AP/LP industry, serving on the Illinois Attorney General's task force on computer crime, as a governor-appointed board member to Oregon's Police Academy, and a member of the NRF Loss Prevention Council.

The NRF Retail Cybersecurity Leadership Award recognizes an individual's cumulative contributions to advancing the state of cybersecurity within the retail industry. The 2024 recipient is:

Rich Agostino, Senior Vice President and Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) at Target. Agostino has long been a champion for career development programs both at Target and in the broader security community. He serves as Chair of the Board of Directors for the Retail & Hospitality ISAC (RH-ISAC) and is a member of the PCI Security Standards Council Board of Advisors and Google's CISO Advisory Board.

Low Skills, Small Budgets Impacting Cybersecurity
Lack of skills and budget slow zero-trust implementation

The risk of a cyber breach is the number one global driver for zero trust strategy implementation, according to Entrust.

Two-thirds of organizations list cyber-risk concerns as the most important drivers for implementing a zero trust strategy. The pattern is even more pronounced in the US, with 50% of organizations citing cyber breach risk and 29% reporting the expanding attack surface for a combined total of 79%.

Despite 60% of organizations reporting significant senior leadership support for zero trust, a lack of skills and budget are still cited as the biggest roadblocks to implementing these frameworks, highlighting a discrepancy between support and resource allocation.

While 62% of organizations have begun their own zero trust journey, only 48% of US organizations have, raising a concern that Western entities know they have a problem but are unable to adopt zero trust, leaving them vulnerable to cyber threats.

46% of respondents cited hackers exposing sensitive or confidential data as their top security concern, followed by system or process malfunctions and unmanaged certificates. For the first time in the past eight years, organizations did not rank employee mistakes as a top security threat.

50% of respondents identified a shortage of skilled personnel, 47% highlighted the absence of clear ownership, and 46% pointed to inadequate staffing as the primary reasons for the challenges associated with credential management. helpnetsecurity.com


'Reasonable Cybersecurity is in the Eye of the Beholder
Making the Case for 'Reasonable' Cybersecurity

Reasonable cybersecurity is highly subjective. Organizations need to plan carefully in order to quantify cyber-risk and apply security controls.

For regulators overseeing enterprise cybersecurity practices, the standard of proof is "reasonable cybersecurity," or taking measures to protect data based on what a reasonably prudent person would do in similar circumstances. At the recent RSA Conference, the Center for Internet Security (CIS) released a detailed white paper on reasonable cybersecurity and how the concept intersects with privacy laws.

"Reasonable cybersecurity" is intentionally ambiguous and depends heavily on context. A cyber insurance carrier will often use a questionnaire asking whether various security controls are in place, and underwriters might or might not approve a policy. But if a breach occurs later, the insurer might dispute the claim, as in 2022 where Travelers Insurance won a lawsuit against International Control Services over misrepresented security controls.

Some standards, like the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS), are prescriptive, while others, like the European Union's General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), offer more flexibility. The GDPR states that an organization must make a "good faith effort to give people the means to control how their data is used and who has access to it. To accomplish this, you must transparently and openly provide them with the information they need to understand how their data is collected and used."

According to the Cornell Law School website, the legal definition of "reasonable" means, in part, "just, rational, appropriate, ordinary, or usual in the circumstances." In reality, reasonable can mean almost anything corporate management wants it to mean.  darkreading.com


'Digital Trust' is Critical
Businesses must prioritize digital trust to avoid major problems
As organizations pursue digital transformation, they urgently need to prioritize digital trust to achieve their goals and prepare for future market opportunities, legislation, and regulatory compliance, according to ISACA.

The ISACA State of Digital Trust 2024 report finds that 77% of respondents agree that digital trust is crucial to digital transformation and 82% say digital trust will grow in importance over the next five years. Despite this recognition, almost 71% report that their organization provides no staff training on digital trust and only 21% of organizations plan to increase their budget for digital trust.

76% of business and IT professionals believe digital trust is relevant to their organization, and 65% say it is important that organizations be independently graded on digital trust practices, with the results made publicly available.

Despite recognizing its relevance and importance, 75% of respondents are either unsure or unaware of what improving digital trust requires in practice. A similar number (77%) report that their organizations do not currently measure the maturity of their digital trust practices or are unsure if they do. helpnetsecurity.com


Organizations are moving from experimenting with AI to adopting it

As Allies, Kenya & US Aim to Bolster Digital Security in Africa