The theft of credit card information on 40 million Target customers was a real shock to most Americans, who seem to forget that their own computers at home and at work also connect to the very same Internet that was the source of the Target heist. Operating mainly out of Romania, a group of cyber hackers is gaining access to thousands of U.S. business bank accounts and emptying their contents, usually on weekends when nobody is monitoring bank or business computers.
The scheme generally starts with the insertion of malware into a business PC, often arriving as an advertisement by email. The malware is able to shut down internal virus protection and firewalls. It moves to other PC's in the business as internal emails are sent back and forth and then monitors keystrokes as one or more users access company bank accounts. Eventually, the "spyware" is able to determine the exact keystrokes of bank account passwords.
A small amount, usually under $15.00, is then transferred out of the company bank account as a test. If successful, the next move is to start transferring large amounts out of the account on a weekend. The money will usually be transferred through several banks in the U.S. before going through several overseas banks and ending up in Romania. This overall process often takes place over several months; the thieves are patient in obtaining the necessary passwords and bank information before they pull the trigger.
In most cases, the business itself is at fault for having security holes in its internal computer systems. Many businesses have their computers hooked up to the Internet 24/7, a practice that allows hackers to work on their prey for extended hours. In fact, most businesses are actually using the Internet, or transmitting data on the Internet for very brief periods of time; they would be wise to disconnect their main accounting system from from the Internet unless they are actually engaged in sending or receiving data.
Bank account and credit card passwords should be changed frequently. Bank accounts should be monitored daily for any unrecognized transactions in any amount. Even at home, I disconnect from the Internet when I am away from my computer or when I am through for the day. I have my WiFi Internet Router located where I can see it and the flashing lights lights indicate data is being transferred when it is not, I turn the router off immediately and shut down my computer.
I keep all of my protective software up to date every day and run frequent scans to detect any viruses, malware, spyware or other anomalies. You cannot be too safe regarding your computer systems when there are literally thousands of hackers out there looking to explore any and all vulnerabilities.
That's MY AMERICAN OPINION, respectfully submitted.
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