DOJ Warns Big-Box Retail CEOs of ‘Blended Threat’ From Bad Cyber Actors

Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco met Thursday with retail CEOs at the Retail Industry Leaders Association (RILA) annual summit in Washington, where she cautioned them to be “mindful” about the “blended threat” of sophisticated "cyber-criminal groups" and "nation-state actors" forming “alliances of convenience,” said a DOJ readout Friday. She encouraged retailers to bolster their cyber defenses and "proactively develop" relationships with their local FBI field offices, it said. Monaco also addressed “organized retail crime” with the CEOs, including how U.S. attorneys across the country are bringing federal charges to punish and thwart “aggravated retail theft,” said DOJ. Retailers "appreciated the opportunity to discuss a number of high priority issues with Deputy AG Monaco, including cybersecurity," emailed RILA President Brian Dodge. "We appreciate the department’s attention to organized retail crime and the role they are playing investigating and prosecuting large cases," he said. RILA represents Best Buy, Target, Walmart and other big-box retailers.