Cyberattacks on retail environments are getting faster, more automated, and harder to contain. PDI’s latest threat intelligence analysis shows that threat actors continue exploiting vulnerabilities, stolen credentials, and exposed infrastructure faster than many organizations can respond.
From January 1 through December 31, 2025, PDI analysts examined more than 4 trillion security events and traffic logs from monitored environments worldwide to identify the trends shaping the retail threat landscape.
The pattern is clear: exploit activity is rising, ransomware operators are expanding their entry points, and stolen credentials continue to give attackers quiet access to business-critical systems.
Read on for a summary of PDI threat intelligence insights or get the full report and access to the webinar demo.
Ransomware activity continues to rise
Ransomware remains one of the most disruptive threats facing retail and convenience businesses. In fact, PDI analysis found ransomware activity increased 35% year over year, including a 61% increase in Q4, as attackers broadened the ways they gain initial access to networks.
“Ransomware operators are typically financially motivated. They’re looking for the path of least resistance—how they can most quickly benefit from attacking an organization.”
—Josh Smith, PDI Threat Intelligence Supervisor
Most ransomware attacks follow a familiar path:
- Initial access through vulnerabilities, phishing, or stolen credentials
- Lateral movement across internal systems
- Data exfiltration
- Encryption and operational disruption
Many groups now use double extortion or triple extortion, combining encryption with threats to leak stolen data or increase pressure on business leaders and customers. For retailers, the impact goes beyond IT. A ransomware incident can interrupt transactions, affect store operations, and put revenue at risk.
6 Lessons from the PDI Security Operations Center (SOC)
Retail cyber incidents rarely start with sophisticated attacks. Most begin with preventable gaps in security posture. PDI SOC analysts see the same patterns repeatedly across retail networks and recommend these preventative actions:
- Educate users often: Train employees to recognize phishing, suspicious files, and social engineering attempts.
- Use layered security controls: No single tool stops every attack. Multiple layers reduce risk across your environment.
- Patch systems quickly: Subscribe to vendor security bulletins and apply updates as soon as possible.
- Maintain modern malware protection: Use advanced malware detection tools to help block malicious files and suspicious execution attempts.
- Segment high-risk devices: Isolate IoT systems and other high-risk endpoints to limit lateral movement.
- Monitor threat intelligence: Track dark web activity, credential leaks, and indicators of compromise to identify threats early.
Exploit attempts are surging
Exploit activity is rising sharply. PDI observed a 247% increase in exploit attempts, with attackers frequently targeting firewalls and VPN infrastructure at the network edge.
Automated scanning tools continuously search the Internet for exposed systems. Once a vulnerability is discovered, attackers can attempt exploitation within minutes. For retailers operating distributed networks, exposed edge devices can quickly become entry points for larger attacks.
Stolen credentials create quiet access
Credential theft remains one of the most common ways attackers enter corporate networks. Infostealer malware collects browser passwords, authentication tokens, and financial data from infected devices. These credentials are often sold through underground marketplaces.
Attackers can then log in using legitimate credentials—creating “quiet access” that is harder for security teams to detect early. Once inside, they can expand access and prepare larger attacks such as ransomware.
What this means for retailers
For distributed retail environments, cybersecurity is directly tied to operational uptime. Three realities are becoming clear:
- Attacks move faster than traditional response cycles: Exploit automation shortens the window between exposure and compromise.
- Operational systems are a primary target: Disrupting store systems, transactions, or fuel operations creates immediate business impact.
- Credential theft increases fraud and compliance risk: Unauthorized access to internal systems can expose payment data and operational platforms.
For retailers, cybersecurity is no longer just an IT issue—it’s an operational resilience requirement.
How to stay ahead of evolving cyber threats
As cyber threats accelerate, many retailers struggle with fragmented security and network management tools. PDI provides one accountable partner for both network management and cybersecurity, backed by more than 40 years of experience supporting always-on retail environments.
Using threat intelligence drawn from more than 4 trillion analyzed security events, PDI combines retail expertise with managed network and security services designed for distributed environments. Key offerings include:
- 24/7 SOC detection and response with Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) and Managed Detection and Response (MDR)
- Continuous visibility across store networks and edge systems
- Credential exposure monitoring
- Integrated network and security management
The result: faster threat detection, stronger resilience, and one partner responsible for keeping store operations secure and running.