Paco Dennis
SF VIP
- Location
- Mid-Missouri
"Opening up your credit card statement and seeing charges you did not make is never a pleasant experience. All too often, hackers target businesses with the ultimate goal of stealing financial information like credit card numbers, trophies they trade to other cyber criminals or simply use to run up bogus charges. Hackers steal credit card numbers in a variety of ways, and understanding these methods can help your company avoid becoming a victim.
Phishing
Phishing One of the simplest and most direct methods of card theft is phishing. The hacker simply calls your business, pretending to be from your bank, and tricks you into giving away your financial data. Often, phishing attempts begin with a warning of unauthorized activity to put you on your guard and make you eager to cooperate. If you ever receive a call claiming to be from your bank or card issuer, do not provide any account information and call your bank directly to report the contact.
Spoofing
Spoofing Hackers can also use fake emails and websites to steal credit card information. Much like a phone phishing attack, a spoofed email will claim to be from your financial institution and report some kind of fraudulent access to your business account. The email will claim that all you need to do to correct the problem is log into their site with the link provided and enter your account information to verify your identity. Of course, the link goes to a fake site the hacker controls, designed to capture any data you enter. If you receive an email claiming to be from your card issuer, do not click any links, and call your provider for further information.
Hacking
In some cases, hackers steal credit card numbers by hacking businesses. Many web commerce systems allow you to store your credit card information for later use, making repeated purchases easy. Most businesses heavily encrypt this information, so that even if a hacker manages to steal the database, decoding the individual credit card numbers is impossible. Unfortunately, occasional security flaws allow criminals to bypass this security, allowing them to steal large numbers of cards at once. If your credit card supports the technology, single-use card numbers can prevent hackers from accessing your accounts even if they compromise card databases. At the very least, you should resist the urge to allow sites to store your credit card details between sessions.
Skimming
The Internet is not the only way a criminal can steal your credit card number. Skimmers are electronic devices, usually placed on ATMs or the card readers on gas pumps. When you place your card into the reader, it passes through the skimmer, allowing the device to capture your account information. Travelers are especially vulnerable to these devices, since they may be unfamiliar with the normal pump or ATM design. Always examine outdoor card readers carefully before using them, and look for anything that seems out of place or awkwardly attached."
https://smallbusiness.chron.com/hackers-card-number-64333.html
Phishing
Phishing One of the simplest and most direct methods of card theft is phishing. The hacker simply calls your business, pretending to be from your bank, and tricks you into giving away your financial data. Often, phishing attempts begin with a warning of unauthorized activity to put you on your guard and make you eager to cooperate. If you ever receive a call claiming to be from your bank or card issuer, do not provide any account information and call your bank directly to report the contact.
Spoofing
Spoofing Hackers can also use fake emails and websites to steal credit card information. Much like a phone phishing attack, a spoofed email will claim to be from your financial institution and report some kind of fraudulent access to your business account. The email will claim that all you need to do to correct the problem is log into their site with the link provided and enter your account information to verify your identity. Of course, the link goes to a fake site the hacker controls, designed to capture any data you enter. If you receive an email claiming to be from your card issuer, do not click any links, and call your provider for further information.
Hacking
In some cases, hackers steal credit card numbers by hacking businesses. Many web commerce systems allow you to store your credit card information for later use, making repeated purchases easy. Most businesses heavily encrypt this information, so that even if a hacker manages to steal the database, decoding the individual credit card numbers is impossible. Unfortunately, occasional security flaws allow criminals to bypass this security, allowing them to steal large numbers of cards at once. If your credit card supports the technology, single-use card numbers can prevent hackers from accessing your accounts even if they compromise card databases. At the very least, you should resist the urge to allow sites to store your credit card details between sessions.
Skimming
The Internet is not the only way a criminal can steal your credit card number. Skimmers are electronic devices, usually placed on ATMs or the card readers on gas pumps. When you place your card into the reader, it passes through the skimmer, allowing the device to capture your account information. Travelers are especially vulnerable to these devices, since they may be unfamiliar with the normal pump or ATM design. Always examine outdoor card readers carefully before using them, and look for anything that seems out of place or awkwardly attached."
https://smallbusiness.chron.com/hackers-card-number-64333.html
