Visa has become aware of a variation of payment card-stealing malware referred to as “Chewbacca,” which targets merchant point-of-sale systems. Pinnacle has confirmed that our merchant services POS solution’s anti-virus protection blocks this malware.

This is a good reminder that owners and operators of POS systems should also follow some best practices to increase security and prevent unauthorized access:

• Use Strong Passwords: It is highly recommended that business owners change passwords to their POS systems on a regular basis, using unique account names and complex passwords.
• Update POS Software Applications: Ensure that POS software applications are using the latest updated software applications and software application patches. POS systems, in the same way as computers, are vulnerable to malware attacks when required updates are not downloaded and installed on a timely basis.
• Install a Firewall: A firewall can prevent unauthorized access to, or from, a private network by screening out traffic from hackers, viruses, worms or other types of malware specifically designed to compromise a POS system.
• Use Antivirus: Antivirus programs work to recognize software that fits its current definition of being malicious and attempts to restrict that malware’s access to the systems. It is important to continually update the antivirus programs for them to be effective on a POS network.
• Restrict Access to Internet: POS systems should only be used online to conduct POS-related activities and not for general Internet use.
• Disallow Remote Access: To prevent unauthorized access, it is important to disallow remote access to the POS network at all times.