Key Takeaways
- Consumers are increasingly avoiding businesses that do not prioritize cybersecurity, with 22% of UK shoppers admitting they would avoid retailers with inadequate cybersecurity measures.
- Data breaches can significantly damage trust between shoppers and retailers, making it difficult to rebuild.
- Investing in modern cybersecurity solutions is no longer optional, but a business necessity to maintain customer loyalty and remain competitive.
- UK retailers must prioritize securing their IT infrastructure and adhere to industry security standards to avoid lost revenue and long-term reputational damage.
- Cyber incidents have a measurable negative impact on online purchasing behavior, with high-profile attacks on major UK retailers reinforcing consumer concerns.
Introduction to the Growing Concern of Cyberattacks
In recent years, businesses across industries have faced a growing number of cyberattacks, many of which have resulted in temporary disruptions or, in severe cases, permanent shutdowns. While the financial and operational consequences of these incidents are well documented, a new trend is now emerging: consumers themselves are actively avoiding businesses that fail to prioritize cybersecurity. According to a study conducted by SOTI, a leading provider of business mobility and management solutions, UK shoppers are increasingly unwilling to engage with retailers that do not demonstrate a strong commitment to protecting customer data. This shift highlights a significant change in consumer behavior, with shoppers becoming more technologically aware and informed about the risks associated with data breaches.
The Impact of Cyberattacks on Consumer Behavior
Shoppers are becoming more cautious about where and how they spend their money, and are gravitating toward businesses that treat data security and privacy as a top priority and take proactive steps to safeguard sensitive information. The retail sector, in particular, has become a prime target for cybercriminals, with hackers often seeking financial information, personal details, and purchase histories, all of which can be easily sold on the dark web. When combined with artificial intelligence tools, transaction histories can be analyzed to create detailed consumer profiles. If such information is left unprotected, customers may later become victims of targeted phishing attempts, identity theft, or other social engineering attacks. This growing awareness has made shoppers more cautious about where and how they spend their money, with many consumers avoiding retailers that fail to implement adequate cybersecurity measures.
The Consequences of Data Breaches on Customer Trust
The SOTI study revealed that 22 percent of respondents admitted they would actively avoid retailers that fail to implement adequate cybersecurity measures. This avoidance extends across all channels, including company websites, social media platforms, and even physical store locations. For many consumers, a single data breach is enough to erode confidence and push them toward competitors perceived as more secure. Respondents also emphasized that data breaches significantly damage trust between shoppers and retailers, making it difficult to rebuild. To maintain customer loyalty and remain competitive, businesses must stay ahead of the technological curve and address concerns related to data security and privacy. Investing in modern cybersecurity solutions is no longer optional—it is a business necessity.
The Importance of Securing IT Infrastructure
As UK retailers accelerate their digital and mobile transformation efforts to align with evolving consumer preferences, equal attention must be given to securing IT infrastructure. Adhering to established industry security standards for payment data and personal information is essential. Failure to do so, the SOTI report warns, could result in lost revenue and long-term reputational damage. Supporting this trend, Barracuda Networks has reported similar findings, noting that cyber incidents have a measurable negative impact on online purchasing behavior. High-profile cyberattacks on major UK retailers such as Marks & Spencer, Co-op, and Harrods in 2025 have further reinforced consumer concerns, underscoring the growing link between cybersecurity practices and customer trust.
The Future of Cybersecurity in Retail
The growing awareness of cybersecurity risks among consumers is likely to continue, with shoppers becoming increasingly discerning about the businesses they engage with. As a result, retailers must prioritize cybersecurity and invest in modern solutions to protect customer data and maintain trust. This includes implementing robust security measures, such as encryption, firewalls, and intrusion detection systems, as well as regularly updating software and training employees on cybersecurity best practices. By taking a proactive approach to cybersecurity, retailers can reduce the risk of data breaches, protect customer trust, and maintain a competitive edge in the market. Ultimately, the future of retail will be shaped by the ability of businesses to prioritize cybersecurity and protect customer data, and those that fail to do so will risk being left behind.
