Appreciate Group Plc (Love2Shop), faced a growing challenge - cybersecurity. Their legacy IT infrastructure, coupled with an upcoming business acquisition, exposed them to potential security vulnerabilities. cybersecurity hadn't received the necessary attention it required and a lack of clarity on its exposure to cyber risk left the business vulnerable to the unknown.

Appreciate Group Plc had recently lost their Chief Information Security Officer ("CISO") to retirement and the internal IT team, focused on maintaining day-to-day operations, lacked the specialised expertise to navigate the complex world of leading a cybersecurity function. The board of directors recognised the need for a strategic and proactive approach to data security, but the cost of hiring a full-time CISO replacement had become prohibitive in the current climate.

Appreciate Group Plc partnered with Parker Neal, to leverage our CISO as a Service offering. This cost-effective solution provided the business with the ongoing guidance and leadership of a seasoned cybersecurity expert without the burden of a full-time hire. Parker Neal's CISO as a Service team got to work, implementing several key measures:

• Cybersecurity posture assessment: Conducted a comprehensive analysis of the IT infrastructure, applications, and data practices to identify vulnerabilities.

• Strategic security roadmap development: Prioritised identified risks and outlined a plan for remediation, considering industry best practices and regulatory compliance requirements.

• Security awareness training for staff: Empowered employees with the knowledge to recognise and report suspicious activity, a crucial line of defense against phishing attacks and social engineering scams.

• Incident response plan development and testing: Established a clear plan outlining roles, responsibilities, and communication protocols for effectively handling a potential cyberattack.

• Ongoing threat monitoring and guidance: Provided continuous monitoring for emerging threats and vulnerabilities, keeping the business informed and prepared.

Through Parker Neal's CISO support, Appreciate Group Plc achieved significant improvements in their cybersecurity posture. The identified vulnerabilities were addressed, and the organisation was equipped to handle potential security incidents more effectively. This proactive approach not only safeguarded sensitive customer data but also bolstered investor confidence and brand reputation.

• Retailers face unique cybersecurity challenges due to omnichannel operations and handling sensitive customer data.

• Parker Neal’s CISO as a Service provides cost-effective access to top-tier cybersecurity expertise.

• A proactive approach to cybersecurity safeguards data, strengthens brand reputation, and fosters customer trust.

• Continuous monitoring and threat awareness are essential for a robust security posture in the retail industry.