A European hacker broke into a U.S. company’s computer network and stole 1,400 credit card numbers, account holders’ names and addresses, and security codes. The hacker, nicknamed Poxxie, sold the stolen credit card data to other cyber criminals through his own website, CVV2s.in, for $3.50 per credit card.

The malicious software or virus cyber criminals used in these hacker attacks are often known as “sniffer” software used to intercept credit and debit card numbers. “Sniffer” software or “malware” malicious software, acts like a virus attaching itself to a network and often spreading. The software allows the criminal hacker backdoor access to all the data in the server and provides remote control functionality.

Other hacker attacks targeting credit card processors are called “spear phishing”. When an employee receives a spear phishing email and clicks the link, a program being to download disabling the company’s anti-virus and defeating all network security measures. This is why one must never click links in the body of an email. There are hardly ever links in emails that can’t be worked around either in the favorite menus or via manually typing in the browser.

Protecting small business customer credit card data starts with PCI Compliance and basic network security tips including:

Software: Antivirus, anti-phishing, antispyware. Total protection “all access” suites of protection and full disk encryption

Hardware: Routers, firewall security appliances

Physical security: Commercial grade solid core doors, security alarm systems, security cameras.

Email Security: NEVER click links in an email of a person or company you are unfamiliar with or have not requested information from. It’s sheer laziness, naivete or foolishness when someone clicks links in the body of an email from an unfamiliar address.

Ethical hackers: Get yourself an ethical hacker to test your network and see what damage he can do before the bad guy does.