In the retail sector, digital security has become a critical element in ensuring customer trust and operational continuity. Physical stores and e-commerce platforms constantly face the risk of cyberattacks that can compromise sensitive information, disrupt operations, and damage brand reputation. In this context,Threat Hunting in retail emerges as an essential strategy to detect and anticipate attacks before they cause harm.

At ESED, every year we like to review the cybersecurity trends that will shape the coming year. Our goal is to always stay up to date with solutions and offer our clients the best protection against an increasingly complex digital environment.

To identify these trends, we first analyze the market and the real demands in terms of IT security, which continue to grow year after year thanks to companies’ constant commitment to implementing digital solutions.

According to IDC, by 2026 global investment in cybersecurity will exceed 200 billion dollars. In Spain, companies are allocating more and more resources to protecting their IT infrastructure, aware that a cyberattack can jeopardize not only information but also business continuity.

Today, cybersecurity has become a strategic and legal requirement for any organization. Failure to comply with the NIS2 Directive or other regulations can result in significant penalties and even liabilities for management.

Poorly protected networks, outdated systems, bad practices or lack of cybersecurity training among employees are still one of the main entry points for malware into many companies’ infrastructures. That is why having a solid cybersecurity strategy, training teams and investing in cutting-edge solutions are the keys to reducing the likelihood of suffering a cyberattack in 2026.

Cybersecurity in the retail sector is facing increasingly complex challenges. Physical stores, although traditional in their operations, now rely on digital systems for inventory management, electronic payments, security cameras, and point-of-sale terminals connected to the corporate network. This rise in connectivity significantly expands the attack surface, turning any vulnerability into a potential risk for business continuity and the protection of customer data. One of the most effective strategies to mitigate these risks is network microsegmentation.

The digitalization of clinical trials has transformed biomedical research, facilitating data collection and analysis as well as collaboration among multiple stakeholders. However, this interconnection has increased exposure to cyberattacks, particularly those targeting the digital supply chain. These attacks not only compromise data integrity but also put patient safety and the reputation of the institutions involved at risk.

Online shopping is one of the most common methods of purchasing today. Millions of transactions are carried out daily, which is why ensuring the integrity and security of users’ personal and financial data is so important. However, just as cybersecurity measures continue to evolve, so do cyberattacks. In this context, Magecart attacks, also known as formjacking attacks, have emerged as one of the most persistent and sophisticated threats targeting online stores and payment platforms.

The biotechnology and medical sector has undergone a significant transformation with the integration of advanced digital technologies. Laboratory equipment, diagnostic devices, and monitoring systems are now network-connected, equipped with sophisticated firmware, and managed through digital interfaces. While this digitalization enhances the efficiency and capabilities of these devices, it also introduces new attack surfaces for cybercriminals.

In the retail sector, where the customer experience increasingly relies on the integration of systems, mobile applications, and omnichannel platforms, Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) have become an essential component. However, this technological dependence has opened the door to a cybersecurity issue: API attacks.

Ransomware has become one of the most serious threats to IT infrastructures worldwide in recent years. In this context, the food industry has proven to be particularly vulnerable. Traditionally focused on operational efficiency and logistics, many companies in the sector have relegated cybersecurity to a secondary concern. However, the exponential rise in attacks has forced an urgent reevaluation of digital defense strategies. The ransomware attack suffered by JBS Foods in 2021 was not only one of the most publicized, but also a paradigmatic case that exposed structural vulnerabilities in one of the world’s largest meat processing companies.

Zero Trust is a security model based on the principle that no entity, whether inside or outside the corporate network—should be automatically trusted. This approach involves continuously verifying the identity, context, and security posture of all devices and users before granting access to critical resources.

Technologies such as MES (Manufacturing Execution Systems) and ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) have become essential pillars for efficiency, traceability, and regulatory compliance in the food industry. However, this level of integration also introduces a new risk front: cybersecurity.

For many years, concerns about IT security have focused almost exclusively on digital environments: websites, e-commerce platforms, cloud databases, etc. However, the modern retail ecosystem also includes a physical component that is becoming increasingly digitized. In physical stores, devices like payment terminals (POS devices) and Wi-Fi networks play a key role in both the customer experience and operational efficiency. But just like in the online world, these systems can also become targets for cybercriminals and their attacks.