Hackers Target Starbucks

Point of Sale (POS) breaches against major retailers have been a persistent issue since Target’s breach, that stole 70 million consumer’s credit card data. Afterward, retailers like Bebe, Home Depot, and now Starbucks have been victims of similar attacks.

A new scam against the coffee shop giant is targeting store-value cards (gift cards) and mobile payment users.

Hackers  have been able to subtly redirect money without having consumers account numbers or information.

Some dedicated Starbucks fans utilize  store-value cards on auto reload, which link to their credit cards. Each time the amount they have allotted is depleted, money is automatically transferred into the store-value card.

Scammers have been able to obtain users Starbucks account information and change passwords. Once inside, money can be redirected. Due to auto load large amounts of money can be absorbed in minutes.

Ingeniously, hackers are able to take without even so much as a credit card number.

One of six Starbucks users pay with the mobile app. Flaw in store-value cards can shed some light on the potential problems with mobile payment.

Hackers have had the upper hand for years. As the service industry slowly transitions into new technology, malware gained access to many point of sale systems. Retailers still use tech from the 90s, which is clearly not equipped to fight modern cyber attacks.

Although the Starbucks breach only took money, most breaches harvest data. Customers names, credit card numbers, expiration dates, pins and other personal data is attained and sold onto the black market.

It is important for business owners to remain up to date with liability shifts, EMV requirements, and PCI compliance. The fault will settle on the business owner if outdated credit card processing is continued to be used.

Sintel Systems is the only direct to end user full-service provider of tailored Point of Sale systems across retail, restaurant and service industries, including frozen yogurt shops, pizzerias, sushi restaurants, cafés and retail stores.

As a single source for business solutions, our experienced, knowledgeable team negotiates the complex POS landscape for you to enable you to find the right POS system for your business and budget. Hardware – Software – Support

Questions or Comments: Contact us 855-POS-SALES www.SintelSystems.com