SOTI launches built-in VPN to bolster retail mobile security

SOTI has announced the introduction of SOTI VPN, a built-in virtual private network solution inside its SOTI MobiControl platform aimed at enhancing enterprise data security for mobile transactions.

The announcement comes as concerns intensify regarding retail data security following several high-profile breaches. The vulnerability of sensitive information moving through organisational channels, particularly via mobile devices in transactional settings, has raised alarms within the industry.

SOTI VPN is embedded directly into the existing enterprise mobility management environment, removing the need for separate, standalone VPN applications. The solution is designed to ensure that data is encrypted at all times and across every endpoint, safeguarding information traversing between staff devices and organisational systems.

Michael Dyson, Vice President of Sales, APAC at SOTI, commented on the context surrounding the launch:

"Recent retail data breaches highlight the importance of safeguarding customer information. When data is compromised, it can affect customer confidence in a brand. That's why we developed SOTI VPN- to help retailers secure every channel, including mobile, from end to end."

SOTI VPN utilises WireGuard tunnelling technology and features high-speed, encrypted, and always-on connectivity. The VPN offers device-wide protection and app-specific VPN options for Android devices, as well as split tunnelling capabilities compatible with Android, iOS, iPadOS, and Windows platforms. By automating connectivity, the system aims to reduce the risk of user error and maintain uninterrupted business access.

This integration is considered particularly relevant for retailers, many of whom have deployed self-service kiosks and mobile point-of-sale devices as part of their operations. These digital touchpoints have become standard in many retail settings, amplifying the need for secure mobile infrastructure.

Consumer concerns

According to SOTI's recent retail research report, The Rise of Social Commerce: Turning Tech-Driven Browsers into Influenced Buyers, a significant majority of consumers hold concerns about the handling of their personal information. The report's findings include:

• 83% of consumers are concerned about entering personal information into online or in-store systems.
• 59% of Australians are worried about the security measures retailers use to protect online transactions.
• 54% express concern about how retailers store data for purchases or returns.
• 52% are uneasy about the handling of data when details are stored for repeat transactions.
• 53% are unclear on who is responsible for their data's protection when third-party payment providers are involved.

These statistics point to a growing expectation among consumers for robust data security measures throughout the retail experience. For IT leaders, this trend highlights the importance of securing not just the front-end systems but every channel through which transaction data moves.

For IT and security teams

By integrating VPN functionality within the mobile device management environment, SOTI VPN eliminates the operational complexity of managing separate security applications. Centralised policy enforcement allows IT teams to set and monitor device and network security specifications from a singular interface, aiming to improve visibility and reduce the incidence of system downtime.

Dyson commented further on the need for adaptable security tools:

"As mobile use cases grow more complex, businesses need scalable, secure solutions that won't add friction or complexity. SOTI VPN simplifies connectivity, whether it's a retail associate on the shop floor or a field worker in a remote location."

SOTI VPN is now available as part of the SOTI MobiControl suite, providing businesses with an additional layer of security intended to reduce risks associated with mobile operations in various sectors beyond retail.