Malware-Laced Email Breach Led To Target -
Violation of the target which exposed 110 customers who shopped at the retail giant from 27 November to 15 December was very probably caused by a malware email -laced, as reported by KrebsOnSecurity. An employee of a refrigeration and air conditioning company based in Pennsylvania who worked with Target clicked on a malicious email and fell for a phishing attack spear, depending on the site - managed by the cyber security blogger Brian Krebs - who citing sources close to the investigation. A spear phishing attack occurs when the victim receives an email laced with malware designed to support the computer of the victim. These malicious emails are usually disguised as a message from a trusted company.
Once the hackers gained access to employee computer, they were able to somehow get into the target system and recover data from payment cards. The details of how hackers got into the target system are not clear, but it is clear that the spear phishing attack took place two months before the theft of payment cards.
What consumers can learn of the breach of the target?
the extent of the breach of the target was a huge awakening for businesses and consumers, and companies are beginning to strengthen cyber security, there are some things consumers can also take away from the violation.
1. Pay with a credit or debit card are not always safe: credit and debit cards have become the go-to option payment for most consumers because they are simple to use, accepted almost anywhere and does not require consumers to carry large amounts of cash or coins to make change. However, the breach of the target and other offenses - such as Neiman Marcus, Arts & Crafts Michael, Marriott and others - have shown consumers that paying with a debit or credit card may not be the form safest payment
As. alternatives, consumers can return to using the money for every purchase, or simply did not enter their PIN into the keypad of the store. Choosing to use only the "credit" option when consumers use debit cards will not completely protect from falling victim of a data breach, but it can reduce the amount of exposed financial information if hackers gain access. For example, if the PIN for a consumer is found in violation, it allows hackers to use not only the debit card that has been exposed, but also to have access to all the bank information of victim using an ATM.
2. It is best not to give personal information to companies: Many companies offer some sort of loyalty program that allows customers to get some kind of enjoy shopping in the store. Although these programs can save consumers money and add convenience to the shopping experience, they should think twice before providing the store with all kinds of personal information because, in providing that additional information they can put their identity in danger in case of data breach. Consumers should really think about the benefits of the loyalty program and ask the store on the way it handles personal information before deciding to subscribe.
3. Anyone can be a victim of cybercrime: An employee of a third company suffered a malware attack that led to the target of being the victim of a data breach exposing 110 million customers proves that nobody is sure of a cyber attack, regardless of the type of attack. Fortunately for consumers, there is something they can do to make sure they do not fall victim of a malware attack - protect yourself with an Internet security software. This software is designed to block, detect and warn consumers of a potential threat before it infects and supports a computer, tablet or smartphone in attempts to collect personal information of the owner. Consumers can get Internet security software to protect their identity on Mac or PC computers, smartphones and tablets. Read reviews of Internet security software for more information on these services.
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