Cybersecurity in EMEA Retail: AI's Role in Enhancing Cyberattack and Fraud Protection in Retail

This IDC Perspective discusses how cybersecurity in EMEA retail is being fundamentally reshaped by the integration of AI to address evolving digital threats. As retailers in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa accelerate their digital transformation efforts — adopting technologies such as omni-channel commerce, cloud-based supply chains, and mobile payments — they simultaneously face an escalating wave of cyberthreats. These threats include ransomware, phishing, fraud, and attacks on point-of-sale systems, endangering both customer trust and business continuity."As retailers in EMEA become increasingly digital, cybersecurity is no longer a backend IT concern — it has become a strategic pillar of customer trust and operational resilience. AI offers the intelligence, speed, and adaptability retailers need to stay ahead of rapidly evolving threats. From real-time fraud detection to predictive risk analysis, AI-driven security isn't just about defense — it's about enabling secure growth in the digital economy," said Cristiano Quattrini, senior associate advisor, IDC Retail Insights.