# AI adoption and cyber exposure set the agenda for retail in 2026

- Link: https://www.directorstalkinterviews.com/ai-adoption-and-cyber-exposure-set-the-agenda-for-retail-in-2026/4121241566
- Published: 2026-02-25T15:29:00+00:00
- Author: Amilia Stone

Retail and e-commerce businesses enter 2026 facing a clear dual reality. Artificial
intelligence is reshaping how consumers discover and purchase products, while cyber
risk and data privacy pressures are increasing in scale and complexity.

Over the past year, online retail platforms have experienced sustained cyber targeting.
A significant share of users encountered web-based threats, and on-device attacks
also increased. Corporate systems within the retail segment saw a notable rise in
ransomware detections compared with previous periods. Many of these incidents involved
widely available tools repurposed for malicious encryption activity, making detection
more difficult and response more resource intensive.

Phishing activity remains persistent and broad in scope. Fraudulent websites and
credential theft attempts have targeted consumers, payment channels and logistics
platforms.

At the same time, AI adoption across retail functions is accelerating. Businesses
are using AI and machine learning to personalise product recommendations, optimise
pricing, forecast demand and automate inventory decisions. More advanced systems
are beginning to manage elements of the purchasing journey with limited human input.

_**[itim Group plc](https://www.directorstalkinterviews.com/company/itim-group-plc/itim.l)**(
[LON:ITIM](https://www.directorstalkinterviews.com/company/itim-group-plc/itim.l))
is a SaaS-based technology company that enables store-based retailers to optimise
their businesses to improve financial performance and effectively compete with online
competitors. Itim adds retail value by helping multi-channel retailers optimise 
their business and their stores to improve financial performance and compete more
effectively with the “Amazons”._

Share on: