FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Louisville, KY – February 24–26, 2026 – DilSe.IT, a national technology and cybersecurity partner serving independent Ace Hardware retailers, will exhibit at the Spring Ace Hardware Convention & Exhibits at the Kentucky Exposition Center in Louisville from February 24–26, 2026. The company will also present a newly updated live training session focused on the growing cybersecurity risks facing retail businesses — especially those amplified by Artificial Intelligence (AI).

🎓 Securing Your Ace Business from Cyberthreats and AI

📅 Wednesday, February 25, 2026 | 2:00–3:00 PM
📍 Retail Training Theater on the Convention Floor

This enhanced 2026 course reflects the rapidly evolving threat landscape and introduces expanded content addressing how AI is now being weaponized by cybercriminals.

AI Is Changing Retail – and Changing Cybercrime

Artificial Intelligence is transforming small business operations—improving efficiency, analytics, and customer service. However, it is also being exploited in increasingly sophisticated cyberattacks.

According to DilSe.IT’s updated Module 300 training materials, AI is now enabling:

• Perfect” phishing at scale — Emails without spelling errors that closely mimic vendors and internal communications
• Polymorphic phishing that changes content to evade filters
• Deepfake voice “vishing” attacks impersonating trusted vendors or corporate representatives
• Improved business email compromise timing and targeting
• Faster reconnaissance and data harvesting prior to ransomware deployment

In one real-world example highlighted in the course, an AI-generated promotional text message impersonated an Ace promotion and directed recipients to an unsecured, fraudulent URL—using urgency, seasonal confusion, and compelling product offers to trigger impulsive clicks.

The course also addresses a rising social engineering tactic: AI-enhanced, realistic impersonation attempts such as “Hello, I’m with Epicor, I need to login to your computer…” — demonstrating how AI-generated deepfakes increase credibility and risk.

Designed for Ace Owners and Senior Managers

Module 300 “Securing Your Ace Business from Cyberthreats and AI” is built specifically for independent Ace Hardware store owners and senior leadership teams. The session equips decision-makers with the knowledge to:

• Confidently evaluate AI tools for business use
• Develop appropriate Artificial Intelligence usage policies
• Reduce exposure to ransomware and business email compromise
• Strengthen employee awareness and training programs
• Make strategic investments in secure infrastructure and cybersecurity controls

Participants will leave with practical guidance to safeguard their store, their employees, their customers, and the communities they serve.

More Than Compliance — Building a Cybersecure Store Culture

DilSe.IT emphasizes that cybersecurity is not about fear—it is about preparation, leadership, and operational discipline. As cybercriminals leverage AI to automate attacks and impersonation at scale, retailers must respond with structured policies, layered security controls, and consistent employee training.

Visit DilSe.IT at Booth 1160

Attendees are invited to meet the DilSe.IT team at Booth 1160 during the Spring Ace Hardware Convention & Exhibits to discuss:

• AI risk management strategies
• PCI-focused cybersecurity programs
• Secure Wi-Fi infrastructure for Zebra and mobile retail environments
• Windows and Android device security best practices
• Ongoing cybersecurity training for store teams
• And, any other technology-related concern related to Ace retail operations

About DilSe.IT

DilSe.IT (pronounced Dill-Say-Dot-I-T) delivers enterprise-grade technology and cybersecurity solutions tailored specifically for small and mid-sized retail businesses. With deep operational experience as former Ace Hardware owners, the company is committed to delivering practical, scalable, and secure technology solutions that strengthen independent retailers nationwide.

For more information visit www.DilSe.IT/ace-retailer

MEDIA CONTACT

Andy Carlson, DilSe.IT, (844) 713-4573