Cybersecurity and Your Grocery Store

Kroger Servers Targeted!

Kroger is a large grocery chain in the US. In addition to the usual groceries that everyone purchases, the Kroger stores also have clinics, pharmacies, and telemedicine, dependent on the location and store footprint. The smaller stores may not be able to offer all of the services a large store would.

While this is a fine business with excellent product, there was an issue from late last year. Granted this is a few months old, however, this is a viable reminder to us all to maintain a resolute view on cybersecurity. Without this, a lax business operation may gain a small footing and grow over time. In that particular instance, one of their network servers was successfully attacked. The directly affected the 10,974 persons whose records were accessed by the unauthorized person. Kroger has published this was an isolated incident.

While unfortunate, this brings to light the importance of data, especially encryption. Having this information encrypted until you would be using it, or having some other security in place is clearly a benefit. When the data is not protected, there is a heightened amount of risk for the organization.

Resources

Dyrda, L. (2020, June 22). Kroger network server breach exposes nearly 11,000 patients’ info. Retrieved from https://www.beckershospitalreview.com/cybersecurity/kroger-network-server-breach-exposes-nearly-11-000-patients-info.html

About the Author - Charles Parker, II has been working in the info sec field for over a decade, performing pen tests, vulnerability assessments, consulting with small- to medium-sized businesses to mitigate and remediate their issues, and preparing IT and info sec policies and procedures. Mr. Parker’s background includes work in the banking, medical, automotive, and staffing industries.