Recovering from a ransomware attack
Ransomware is one of the most destructive forms of cyberattack, encrypting a victim’s data and holding it hostage until a ransom is paid. For retailers, the impact can be swift and devastating—locked systems mean frozen checkout lanes, plummeting sales, and frustrated customers. The stakes are high: every second of downtime translates to lost revenue, damaged brand reputation, and a loss of trust from loyal customers.
Real-World Impacts of Ransomware on Retailers
The retail industry has witnessed several high-profile ransomware attacks. In November 2024, the Blue Yonder ransomware attack disrupted supply chain operations for numerous retailers, underscoring how vulnerable interconnected systems can be. Similarly, attacks on companies like Kaseya and SolarWinds have shown how a single breach can cascade through systems, halting retail operations for days or even weeks.
The costs associated with these attacks are staggering. Beyond the ransom itself, companies face operational downtime, legal liabilities, and recovery expenses. For retailers, where checkout systems are the lifeblood of business, a ransomware attack can bring operations to a standstill, crippling their ability to serve customers.
The Challenges of Recovery for Traditional Checkout Systems
Recovering a checkout system after a ransomware attack is a Herculean task. Retailers must:
Restore Critical Data
Items, prices, promotions, and reference data must all be restored. These datasets are extensive and critical for operations, making their recovery time-intensive and error-prone.
Rebuild Databases
A new database must be installed, configured, and populated with the restored data, which often requires specialized IT personnel and significant resources.
Roll Out to Thousands of Terminals
In large retail chains, the recovery process must be replicated across thousands of checkout terminals—a logistical nightmare that can take days or weeks to complete.
Handle Limited IT Resources
Retail IT infrastructure, from networks to personnel, is rarely equipped to handle such a massive recovery effort, further compounding delays.
Why Hii Checkout is the Best Choice for Ransomware Recovery
Hii Checkout, part of Extenda Retail’s Hii Retail suite, is designed for resilience in the face of cyber threats, including ransomware. Built as a cloud-native Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) solution, it simplifies recovery in ways traditional systems cannot.
Data Already in the Cloud
Hii Checkout eliminates the need to recover local data. Just as your personal cloud storage keeps documents safe and accessible across devices, Hii Checkout stores all operational data securely in the cloud. This means no lengthy recovery of local databases—your data is always there, ready to use.
Recovery as Simple as Reinstalling an App
Instead of painstakingly rebuilding systems, recovery with Hii Checkout is as simple as reinstalling an app. Once the app is reinstalled, it connects to the cloud and resumes operations instantly. This streamlined process drastically reduces downtime, allowing stores to reopen in hours rather than days.
Resilient Operations During Recovery
Hii Checkout ensures business continuity even during recovery, leveraging a hybrid-cloud model that provides redundancy and security. Its centralized Checkout Engine keeps alternative solutions—such as Mobile POS devices and Scan N Go applications—fully operational, enabling store personnel and shoppers to continue transactions seamlessly while stationary checkouts are being restored. By maintaining uninterrupted operations on unaffected systems, Hii Checkout minimizes disruptions to sales and ensures your business stays resilient during and after an attack.
Don’t Take Chances with Recovery—Choose Hii Retail
Ransomware is not a question of if but when. Retailers need solutions that can weather the storm, recover quickly, and keep operations running with minimal disruption. With Hii Checkout, Extenda Retail delivers a proven, resilient, and rapid recovery solution that protects your bottom line and your brand.
Don’t wait until it’s too late. Contact us today to learn how Hii Checkout can secure your retail operations and ensure business continuity, no matter the threat.
