Foreign hackers used packet sniffing software to obtain the credit card numbers and expiration dates from customers at eleven Dave & Buster’s restaurants across the US. While this incident pales in comparison to the 4.2 million card numbers stolen during the Hannaford security breach, these hackers did manage to find buyers for their ill-gotten information. It’s estimated that they did $600,000 in damage. Luckily, the hackers were tracked down and brought into custody in various overseas locations.
Situations like this can make card holders wonder if all the paper-shredding in the world will protect their personal data. It won’t. When sophisticated criminals target businesses, it’s up to the businesses to have the best and most up-to-date security systems in place. The minute you discover unauthorized charges on your account, cancel the card and file a fraud report with your credit card company. Use online banking to monitor your account. You can even get real-time alerts sent to you when any charges are made.
For the record, though, you should still shred those paper statements and pre-screened credit offers to ward off low-tech identity thieves.
Situations like this can make card holders wonder if all the paper-shredding in the world will protect their personal data. It won’t. When sophisticated criminals target businesses, it’s up to the businesses to have the best and most up-to-date security systems in place. The minute you discover unauthorized charges on your account, cancel the card and file a fraud report with your credit card company. Use online banking to monitor your account. You can even get real-time alerts sent to you when any charges are made.
For the record, though, you should still shred those paper statements and pre-screened credit offers to ward off low-tech identity thieves.
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