RH-ISAC Unites Global Retail and Hospitality to Fortify Cyber Defenses

VIENNA, VA – May 28, 2026 – In a significant move to bolster the cyber defenses of consumer-facing industries, the Retail & Hospitality Information Sharing and Analysis Center (RH-ISAC) today announced its 2026 Regional Workshop series. The ambitious global program will span North America, Europe, and Asia-Pacific, creating crucial in-person forums for cybersecurity professionals to collaborate on combating escalating digital threats.

The series of more than a dozen one-day workshops is designed to foster direct threat intelligence sharing, peer-to-peer learning, and professional development. These events come at a critical time for the retail and hospitality sectors, which are increasingly targeted by sophisticated cyber adversaries.

"By bringing the community together in local markets around the world, we are empowering cybersecurity teams to share real-world insights, learn from one another, and collectively strengthen the resilience of consumer-facing industries," said Suzie Squier, president of RH-ISAC.

A Unified Front Against a Rising Tide of Threats

The announcement arrives as the retail and hospitality sectors grapple with an increasingly hostile and complex threat landscape. Recent industry data paints a stark picture: ransomware attacks surged by 35% year-over-year, and phishing schemes were implicated in a staggering 65% of all breaches. The average cost of a data breach has climbed to $3.54 million for retailers and $3.86 million for hospitality companies, with customer Personally Identifiable Information (PII) being the most frequently compromised data type.

Attackers are also leveraging advanced technologies, including artificial intelligence, to automate their campaigns, identify vulnerabilities, and craft highly convincing social engineering attacks. Furthermore, supply chain vulnerabilities have become a major concern, with compromises of third-party vendors nearly doubling in the past year and accounting for 30% of all breaches. This interconnected risk makes isolated defense strategies increasingly ineffective and highlights the urgent need for cross-company and cross-border collaboration.

The RH-ISAC workshops are designed to directly address this reality by creating a trusted environment where security leaders can share timely, actionable intelligence on active threats, attacker tactics, and effective mitigation strategies. The focus is on moving beyond theoretical discussions to the practical application of collective knowledge.

Building a Global Community of Practice

The 2026 schedule underscores RH-ISAC's commitment to a truly global defensive posture. The series kicks off in Singapore on June 3 and continues through November, with stops in key international hubs including Herzogenaurach, Germany; Bangalore, India; Paris, France; and Sydney, Australia. A significant North American presence is also planned, with workshops in multiple U.S. cities like Boston, Las Vegas, and Atlanta, as well as in Toronto and Vancouver, Canada.

Each workshop is structured as an intensive, single-day event featuring interactive discussions, expert-led threat briefings, and dedicated networking opportunities. To ensure a high level of engagement and practical value, many of the events are hosted by prominent RH-ISAC member companies, including PUMA SE in Germany, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts in New Jersey, and Woolworth's in Sydney. This model not only provides premier facilities but also ensures the content is grounded in the real-world challenges faced by industry leaders.

For individual cybersecurity practitioners, these workshops offer a vital platform for professional growth. They provide a rare opportunity to step away from daily operational pressures and connect with peers who understand their unique challenges. By exchanging best practices and learning from the experiences of others, attendees can enhance their own skills and bring valuable, actionable insights back to their organizations.

More Than an IT Issue: Safeguarding Trust and Business Continuity

This global initiative extends far beyond a technical exercise; it represents a strategic investment in business continuity and consumer trust. In an era where data breaches frequently make headlines, maintaining a strong security posture is fundamental to protecting brand reputation and customer loyalty. The workshops directly support this by equipping security teams with the tools and intelligence needed to better protect sensitive customer data.

By fostering a proactive and collaborative defense, RH-ISAC helps its member organizations mitigate the significant financial and operational risks associated with cyberattacks. A successful ransomware attack, for instance, can not only lead to massive data loss but can also cripple core business operations, from point-of-sale systems to hotel booking platforms. The intelligence shared at these workshops is crucial for preventing such disruptions and ensuring business resilience.

The program's focus on collective defense helps level the playing field, allowing smaller organizations to benefit from the resources and visibility of larger enterprises. This collaborative ecosystem is essential for strengthening the security of the entire retail and hospitality supply chain, ultimately creating a safer environment for consumers worldwide.

A Force Multiplier in Action

RH-ISAC has steadily grown into a pivotal force for the industry's cybersecurity efforts. The organization's core membership expanded to 333 organizations in 2025, with high engagement rates and nearly 20,000 intelligence shares across its platforms. This growth, which includes expansion into Japan, South Korea, and several European nations, reflects the increasing recognition of its value as a "force multiplier" for internal security teams.

This influence is further amplified by strategic partnerships with major industry bodies. Collaborations with the National Retail Federation (NRF) and the Retail Council of Canada (RCC) have helped consolidate cybersecurity efforts, migrating members to RH-ISAC's robust threat-sharing systems and positioning the organization as the central hub for cyber intelligence in the sector.

Most of the 2026 workshops are open to eligible non-members, providing an opportunity for other consumer-facing companies to experience the benefits of this collaborative community firsthand. An additional workshop is planned for London in November, with details forthcoming. By fostering a global network of informed and connected defenders, the initiative aims to build a more resilient future for an industry that remains squarely in the crosshairs of cyber adversaries.