Clarkston Consulting Retail Expert Discusses AI-Driven Threats Targeting Retail
August 24, 2026 | Clarkston Consulting’s Cory Jackson, senior manager and retail expert, recently spoke on a webinar hosted by Zscaler and Retail Dive. This webinar outlines the nature of AI-driven threats targeting retail, and explores how retailers can secure AI-driven innovation by addressing emerging breach paths, shadow AI, and zero trust in an increasingly connected retail environment. See a few of Cory’s featured quotes from the webinar below, and access the full webinar here.
Securing retail’s expanding attack surface in the age of AI
“AI has made attacks seem more human. Now, with voice attacks we don’t know, and have to verify these things and be vigilant in different ways.” Jackson said. “AI has given cybercriminals the ability to mimic patterns of humans and human characteristics with their shopping patterns and how they use loyalty.”
“Everyone thinks it can’t happen to them, and we see time and time again in the news that large multi-national companies have been compromised.”
“Have a playbook and understanding what you’re going to do if these things happen is the biggest way to circumvent these challenges that could happen and make sure those skills are sharp, especially during peak seasons.”