‘Backoff’ virus latest POS threat

Washington, D.C. – The U.S. Department of Homeland Security is warning retailers about a new, nearly indetectable computer virus known as “Backoff” that poses a threat to POS systems. According to an advisory from Homeland Security, most antivirus software cannot recognize Backoff.



Backoff has been discovered in at least three investigations into retail POS breaches. The malware was first identified in October 2013 and can expose sensitive retailer and consumer data, including credit card information. Hackers insert Backoff by using administrative credentials on remote desktop applications.