How HPE’s IoT Security Platform Transforms Retail Networks

Retail cybersecurity faces hurdles as the sector undergoes digital transformation and cyber attackers become more sophisticated.
The move to omnichannel retail has introduced complex networks of connected devices, from electronic shelf labels to inventory tracking systems, creating multiple potential entry points for cyber attacks.
Retail ranks amongst one of the most targeted sectors for cybercrime, with IoT devices increasingly exploited as security weak points.
This vulnerability increases as retailers deploy more edge computing solutions to meet consumer demands for seamless shopping experiences.
The security challenge is compounded by the need to protect both customer data and operational systems while maintaining the speed and efficiency modern retail requires.
In response, HPE has announced security-focused networking solutions at NRF 2025: Retail's Big Show to address these vulnerabilities while supporting retailers' digital transformation efforts.
HPE Aruba Central enhances IoT protection
The company's HPE Aruba Networking Central platform - a cloud-based network management system - now includes AI-powered features that monitor outdoor Wi-Fi performance and detect anomalous IoT device behaviour that could signal security breaches.
“Retailers facing challenges in warehousing, inventory control and omnichannel fulfilment need comprehensive and secure connectivity to enable digital modernisation and enhance customer experiences.”
The platform monitors data transfers from devices including cameras, electronic shelf labels, RFID tags, energy sensors and motion detectors.
Additionally, the 750 Series wireless access points process IoT data in real-time while maintaining security protocols at network edge points.
For retailers operating outdoor services, the system can automatically adjust transmission settings when customer transactions face interference from passerby traffic, ensuring secure payment processing.
Edge computing transforms network security
HPE has also introduced the Aruba Networking 100 Series Cellular Bridge to provide backup network connectivity through cellular radio signals when primary connections fail.
- HPE Aruba Networking 750 Series access points process IoT data in real-time
- 100 Series Cellular Bridge provides backup when fibre/broadband fails
- CX 8325H switch: 18-port half-width design for compact spaces
This technology aims to maintain payment processing security during network outages and enables rapid deployment of secure temporary retail locations.
Furthermore, the CX 8325H switch, designed for retail environments, integrates with HPE's ProLiant DL145 Gen11 server to enable edge computing.
Meanwhile, the compact design requires reduced power and cooling infrastructure while maintaining security standards.
Network management innovation
The platform introduces features to optimise retail curbside operations through continuous monitoring of Wi-Fi network performance in outdoor areas.
For retailers with distributed locations, the system reduces network management complexity and security risks by minimising the need for on-site IT visits.
Additionally, integration with HPE GreenLake Cloud services and edge computing systems enables secure remote management of resources across store networks, warehouses and back offices.
Security partners join HPE ecosystem
The company has expanded its IoT Operations dashboard to include third-party security applications.
Partners include Hanshow, which develops electronic shelf labels, and Simbe, creator of autonomous inventory tracking robots.
SOLUM contributes digital signage solutions, while VusionGroup provides computer vision AI technology and Zebra Technologies supplies hardware including RFID scanners and environmental sensors for secure inventory tracking.
The partner ecosystem delivers applications for fraud detection, inventory management and location tracking through HPE's IoT partner portal.
This integration enables retailers to implement security measures across multiple systems while maintaining operational efficiency.
“Retailers facing challenges in warehousing, inventory control and omnichannel fulfilment need comprehensive and secure connectivity to enable digital modernisation and enhance customer experiences,” says Stuart Strickland, Wireless Chief Technology Officer at HPE Aruba Networking.
“HPE's networking solutions bring real-time IoT data processing and AI inferencing closer to the source of data generation to fuel omnichannel shopping strategies that increase revenue.”
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