Following the high profile data breach at Target, US retailers have set up a Retail Cyber Intelligence Sharing Center (R-CISC), to help combat cyber crimes.
The retailers include American Eagle Outfitters, Gap, J. C. Penney Company, Lowe’s Companies, Nike, Safeway, Target, VF and Walgreen Company.
Retail Industry Leaders Association (RILA) along with top retail brands will set up the R-CISC, which will function as an independent body, while Retail Information Sharing and Analysis Center (Retail-ISAC).
RILA president Sandy Kennedy said retailers place extremely high priority on finding solutions to combat cyber attacks and protect customers.
The retailers will be sharing cyber threat information through the centre among themselves and, via analysts, with public and private stakeholders, such as the US Department of Homeland Security, US Secret Service and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Phyllis Schneck, US homeland security under-secretary for Cybersecurity said there is a sharp increase in the number of malicious actors attempting to access personal information or compromise the systems
"The Retail Cyber Intelligence Sharing Center will further enhance DHS’s collaboration with this important sector of the American economy and will provide information and resources that can help companies keep their networks and the consumer information stored on them safe and secure."
Warren Steytler, Lowe’s Companies vice president of information security said, "We are confident that by sharing with our peers and industry stakeholders through the R-CISC, our industry will collectively strengthen its ability to protect critical customer information."
