"Backoff" Malware Program Causes Big Headache for Homeland Security
August 7, 2014 
Written By Bill Hardekopf A program intended to help consumers fight credit card fraud is causing a significant problem for the Department of Homeland Security.
Backoff is a malware program deployed to a store’s point-of-sale system through remote access applications. Remote access applications are programs that individuals can use to remotely access their computer information from their smartphones. Hackers are now targeting computers with these programs and using them as a gateway into a person’s computer. In the case of a retail store, this gateway leads hackers to stored sensitive information about credit card customers who have recently shopped at the store.
Approximately 600 retailers have now experienced some type of problem with Backoff. Many of these retailers are small brick and mortar shops. The malware has been giving off low to non-existent virus threats while it enters the systems for these stores, making it hard to track down.
In order to protect themselves from Backoff and similar malware programs, retailers must keep their antivirus programs as up to date as possible. Antivirus providers have been working to make their software more sensitive to the signals given off by these malware threats, so they may now be equipped to combat them.
This entry was posted in Credit Card News and tagged credit cards , credit card fraud , Department of Homeland Security , hack attack , computer hackers , remote access , malware threat , antivirus provider , Backoff , DHS , malware program , remote access applications
The information contained within this article was accurate as of August 7, 2014. For up-to-date information on any of the terms, cards or offers mentioned above, visit the issuer's website. Many of the offers on this article are from our affiliate partners, and LowCards.com may be compensated if you take action with any of our affiliate partners.
Review LowCards.com Editor’s Top Cards!
2020 Top Credit Cards by Category
Featured Prepaid Card
NetSpend® Visa® Prepaid Card
Featured Prepaid Card
NetSpend® Visa® Prepaid Card
Applying for this card will securely direct you to the issuer's website.
Top Features: No late fees or interest charges because this is not a credit card it is a prepaid card.
Featured Secured Card
Assent Platinum 0% Intro Rate Mastercard Secured Credit Card
Featured Secured Card
Assent Platinum 0% Intro Rate Mastercard Secured Credit Card
Applying for this card will securely direct you to the issuer's website.
Top Features: Intro APR Offer on Purchases
Featured Fair Credit Card
Reflex Mastercard® Credit Card
Featured Fair Credit Card
Reflex Mastercard® Credit Card
Applying for this card will securely direct you to the issuer's website.
Top Features: All credit types welcome to apply!
Featured Bad Credit Card
First Digital NextGen Mastercard® Credit Card
Featured Bad Credit Card
First Digital NextGen Mastercard® Credit Card
Applying for this card will securely direct you to the issuer's website.
Top Features: Reports to all three credit bureaus, perfect credit not required for approval
