'Chewbacca' attack hits shops in 11 nations

3 February 2014 04:45 am - 0 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

A A A

Swift action has stopped an attack that stole credit and debit card details from retailers in 11 nations.

The attack, which used a malicious program called "Chewbacca", was discovered by security company RSA.

The server at the centre of the attack has now been shut down but not before thieves managed to grab details of 24 million transactions.

Retailers in 11 separate nations fell victim to the attack including shops in Russia, Canada, Australia and the US.

In the blogpost detailing the shutdown, security analyst Yotam Gottesman said the thieves grabbed data from equipment at cash tills in "several dozen" shops. RSA has contacted the shops and told them about the attack.

On point-of-sale equipment the malicious software disguised itself as a file that handled printing.

It was given the name "Chewbacca" because the login page for the server collating data from infected machines features a picture of the Star Wars wookie.

The group behind the attack tried to hide its tracks by routing stolen data through the Tor network that many people use to hide where they are browsing from.

Chewbacca comes in the wake of an attack on giant US retailer Target in late 2013. That attack also inserted malware on cash tills and card swipe devices and managed to scoop up details of more than 40 million credit and debit cards.

Luxury department store Neiman Marcus was also hit by thieves who used a similar tactic to grab card and personal details.

The attacks led the FBI to issue a warning to retailers alerting them to the changing attack patterns used by thieves and asking them to be vigilant about their point-of-sale equipment.

(Source : BBC)

Order Gifts and Flowers to Sri Lanka. See Kapruka's top selling online shopping categories such as Toys, Grocery, Kids Toys, Birthday Cakes, Fruits, Chocolates, Clothing and Electronics. Also see Kapruka's unique online services such as Money Remittence,Astrology, Courier/Delivery, Medicine Delivery and over 700 top brands. Also get products from Amazon & Ebay via Kapruka Gloabal Shop into Sri Lanka

Comments - 0

Add comment
Comments will be edited (grammar, spelling and slang) and authorized at the discretion of Daily Mirror online. The website also has the right not to publish selected comments.

'Chewbacca' attack hits shops in 11 nations

Comments - 0

Add comment

RECOMMENDED

UDA owned land in Thalawathugoda; UDA Minister Prasanna Ranatunga under the spotlight for forceful occupation of reserved land

Loss-making SMIB faces political pressure in recovering loans

Baltimore Bridge Collapse: MV Dali, SL authorities anchored in mystery?

Has Sri Lanka become a potential hub for the illegal wildlife trade?

Spotlight on Moragahakanda Development Project Moragolla villagers lose livelihoods and down to one meal a day

Ambitious Sri Lankan jobseekers ‘trafficked into Ukraine war zones’

Western purple-faced langurs see blue!

Most Viewed in News

April 15 declared a government holiday

Sri Lanka defaults on USD 6 billion payment despite rising reserves: Patali

23 year old youth ends up having his testicles removed

Corporal from Air Force Rugby pool killed in police shootout

No decision to declare April 15 as public holiday

Belgian traveller scammed in Kalutara

MIRROR CRICKET

TODAY'S HEADLINES