Backoff malware threat worse than thought and you may be affected

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  1. truebluefan

    truebluefan Administrator Staff Member Administrator

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    More than 1,000 businesses have had their point-of-sale systems compromised by Backoff, a family of malware that has the ability to record input from keyboards and control the communications of the infected hardware.

    Along with recording keystrokes and transmitting stolen PoS data to criminals, the Backoff family of malware can also scrape the short-term memories of computer and nearly immortalize itself by taking refuge in the explorer.exe process -- Windows' explorer.exe process generates file folders and program windows.

    The Secret Service has released an advisory warning businesses to take proactive measures against Backoff, which was detected by Homeland Security agencies roughly a year before antivirus software was upgraded with definitions that targeted the malware.

    "Over the past year, the Secret Service has responded to network intrusions at numerous businesses throughout the United States that have been impacted by the 'Backoff' malware," stated the Secret Services' advisory. "Seven PoS system providers/vendors have confirmed that they have had multiple clients affected. Reporting continues on additional compromised locations, involving private sector entities of all sizes, and the Secret Service currently estimates that over 1,000 U.S. businesses are affected."

    Read more http://www.techtimes.com/articles/1...orse-than-thought-and-you-may-be-affected.htm
     

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