While the media world is being bombarded by reports of credit and debit card breaches, NSA data collection and issues with security on the governments infamous website healthcare.gov, it is being reported that the Target Stores Credit/Debit card breach is probably the result of a 17-year-old Russian teen.
The boy is believed to be the main developer of the malicious software responsible for allowing hackers to steal credit card numbers and personal data of approximately 70 million Target customers over the holiday shopping season. On Friday, California-based cyber security firm IntelCrawler said that the so-called malware, known as BlackPOS, has infected the payment systems of six other retailers as well.
Earlier this month, Neiman Marcus admitted that its data systems had been hacked and Reuters reported that at least three other retailers in addition to Neiman Marcus and Target may have been victimized as well. Reuters also reported that authorities believed the hackers originated from Eastern Europe but did not specify which country.
The IntelCrawler report said that the 17-year-old had “roots” in St. Petersburg, Russia and goes by the online nickname “ree4.” The company’s CEO, Andrew Komarov said that he began investigating the malware last March at the request of banking clients. He also stated that the malware had been downloaded at least 60 times since its creation and was being sold by its creator for approximately $2,000 with discounts offered to buyers who agreed to share any ill-gotten profits.
To read previous reporting on the incident please click here: https://fggam.org/target-claims-security-breach-pin-numbers-safe-and-secure/
