According to a recent security alert released by North Country Business Products, a major hack has occurred within the company’s network. The Minnesota-based point-of-sale (POS) service provider is in the employ of numerous major companies. In total the hack, which allowed a data-stealing malware to infiltrate the company’s POS systems, has affected more than 130 locations of businesses like Dunn Brothers Coffee and hotel chains like Holiday Inn.
As a result of this, numerous customers have had their data potentially exposed to the attackers and, most likely, cybercriminals on the Dark Web. It is quite common for data breaches to result in victim data being spread around for identity hijackers to exploit.
Still, the question remains how this occurred in the first place? The incident report from North Country Business Products shed light on this. The most important quoted information can be found below:
On January 4, 2019, North Country learned of suspicious activity occurring within certain client networks. North Country immediately launched an investigation, working with third-party forensic investigators to determine the nature and scope of the event. On January 30, 2019, the investigation determined that an unauthorized party was able to deploy malware to certain of North Country’s business partners restaurants between January 3, 2019, and January 24, 2019, that collected credit and debit card information. Specific information potentially accessed includes the cardholder’s name, credit card number, expiration date, and CVV.
North Country is notifying potentially affected customers of its business partners by this posting, and by notifying the media about this event. Potentially affected consumers can review the information below for steps on how they can protect themselves from fraud or identity theft… North Country established a dedicated assistance line for individuals seeking additional information regarding this incident. Consumers can call 1-877-204-9537, Monday through Friday (excluding U.S. holidays), 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. EST.
It is not uncommon to see hackers go after POS services, but it has been some time since an attack of this magnitude has occurred. With talk of ransomware and cryptojacking, security experts must still remain focused on other forms of attack. As this incident with North Country Business Products shows, there is no such thing as an abandoned strategy in the hackers’ toolbox.
Featured image: Wikimedia
