In every business along with the adaptation of technology, it is not uncommon to be the subject of hack attacks. Almost system experiences security vulnerabilities. As for the POS Singapore hacks, most of these hacks are said to be multi-staged, meaning that on the initial phase of the attack, the hacker has to gain access of the network.
So how does this happen? Well, there is only one thing that could cause this and that is when the hacker gets access to an associated network indirectly. Once that is established, they traverse the network which can ultimately lead to the POS system being accessed.
Once they latched on to the Point of Sales system, a malware then attaches itself which is of course programmed by the attacker in order to get what they do best – stealing the data. So as soon as the data is exposed, it will then be directed to the internal staging server, which opens a big opportunity for the hacker to exfiltrate and transfer the data to the attacker’s network.
What’s sad is that there are various tactics that the thief can use in order to access the network of the corporate system. How they are able to access this is by scanning the weak point of their system with the use of SQL injections to the web server or another way is by locating the periphery device which uses a password. They typically use the default password which is from the provider or manufacturer of the POS system.
The possibility of attacking within the corporate’s network, they use a phishing email to a staff in the organization and once that is opened, that email contains malicious attachments or links that will launch the backdoor program that attaches to the victim’s computer.
As soon as the malicious program has infiltrated into the system, then the attackers can then focus on gaining access to their target – the Point of Sales systems. Depending on which tool they use, they are able to hack through the system that way. They have tools to help them map out the entire network and locate the central database. Another tool is to use the login credentials of the user or look inside the system’s weakness. This is the reason why when securing your system and preventing it from getting hacked, enforce a stronger password and limit the number of login attempts a user should try in case they forget their password.
Since we mentioned malwares, let’s get back to it for a while and understand its purpose – though there is no good deal about a malware in the system, but understanding their nature can help in protecting the POS system. Awareness to these attacks is important if you want to protect yourself from getting hacked.
However complex or simple these attacks are to your system, data stolen could never be reversed. Do not compromise your data – secure your POS system from vulnerability attacks by updating the software when needed. Most of these updates are mainly on the security patches, helping your POS system stay protected.
For more information on how to better protect your system from the POS Singapore hacks, seek the help of your POS system provider and take the necessary precautions to prevent any stolen data.